In 1994, Nelson Mandela became the first president of a democratic South Africa, committed to serving only a single five-year term. During his presidency, he and his government ensured that all of South Africa's citizens became equal before the law, and laid the foundation for turning a country riven by centuries of colonialism and apartheid into a fully functioning democracy. This volume draws on the memoir Mandela began as he prepared to leave office. Langa completed the unfinished draft, using detailed notes that Mandela made as events were unfolding.