In a significant political shift, Nelson Mandela was elected as the deputy president of the African National Congress (ANC) at the party's conference in Durban. This event came just weeks after Mandela's release from Victor Verster Prison, where he had spent 27 years incarcerated for his anti-apartheid activities. Mandela's presence at the conference ignited a sense of renewed optimism and commitment among ANC members and supporters to eradicate apartheid and pave the way for a more inclusive democracy.

During the conference, Mandela expressed his vision for a united and democratic South Africa, emphasizing the need for reconciliation and collective action against apartheid entrenched power structures. His election to such a prominent position within the ANC not only highlighted his leadership capabilities but also positioned him as a central figure in the struggle for freedom, uniting diverse factions within the anti-apartheid movement. Mandela's ability to galvanize support was paramount in ensuring that the ANC remained unified in its objectives.

Following this pivotal moment, Mandela's role as deputy president enabled him to work closely with then-president of the ANC, Oliver Tambo, and other leaders in negotiating the end of apartheid. It marked the beginning of a series of negotiations with the South African government that aimed to lay down the foundations for a peaceful transition to democracy. Mandela's enduring legacy was being crafted as he emerged from prison into the political arena, symbolizing the hope for millions of South Africans oppressed under apartheid rule. His leadership during this conference was seen not just as a personal triumph but as a collective victory for the ANC and all those who fought for equality.