South Africa held its first all-race elections from April 26 to April 29, 1994. The United Nations has been involved with the situation in South Africa for more than four decades. It has spearheaded the international campaign against apartheid and initiated and supported programmes aimed at alleviating the suffering of its victims. It has also provided a forum for the representatives of South African organizations such as the African National Congress (ANC) to advance the anti-apartheid campaign.

President Nelson Mandela (centre) during the inauguration ceremony, after he accepted the oath of office. On the left is Vice-President Thabo Mbeki and on the right is Vice-President F. W. de Clerk.