What major event happened in the 1990s involving South Africa?

The election of Nelson Mandela in the 1990s represents a pivotal moment in South Africa's history, symbolizing the end of apartheid and the transition to a multiracial democracy. Mandela, a key figure in the anti-apartheid movement, was imprisoned for 27 years before his release in 1990. His election as the first black president in 1994 marked a significant step towards reconciliation and nation-building in a country that had been deeply divided along racial lines for decades. This event not only transformed South Africa but also had a profound impact on global perceptions of democracy and human rights.

In contrast, while the end of the Cold War did coincide with the 1990s, it was a broader geopolitical event that affected many countries, not specifically tied to South Africa's unique situation at that time. The Rwandan genocide was a tragic event that occurred in the same decade but was unrelated to South Africa's experiences with apartheid and its resolution. The Tiananmen Square Massacre, although a significant event concerning political repression in China, does not pertain to South African history or its democratic transition.