This Day in History:, Nelson Mandela Is <br />Inaugurated in South Africa.<br />May 10, 1994.<br />Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela had <br />been a political prisoner in <br />South Africa for 27 years.<br />In 1964, under the racist regime <br />of apartheid instituted by the National Party.<br />Mandela had been convicted <br />and sentenced to life in prison <br />on charges of sabotage, <br />treason and conspiracy.<br />While in prison, Mandela's resolve <br />was steadfast and he continued to <br />be the symbolic leader of the <br />anti-apartheid movement.<br />Released by South African president <br />F.W. de Klerk on February 11, 1990, <br />Mandela led negotiations for the end of apartheid.<br />Four years later, 22 million <br />South Africans would turn out <br />to vote for Mandela, electing him <br />the first black president of South Africa
