(Tuesday, May 10, 1994, 12:17 p.m. South African Standard Time) — With the commanding dignity that has carried him through more than half a century of defiance, captivity and conciliation, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, jailed for 27 years for his anti-apartheid activism, became the first black President of South Africa today in Pretoria. Continue reading Nelson Mandela becomes South Africa’s first black president 30 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (May 10 1994) →