History of South Africa (1994–present) History of South Africa (1994–present) South Africa since 1994 transitioned from the system of apartheid to one of majority rule. The election of 1994 resulted in a change in government with the African National Congress (ANC) coming to power. The ANC retained power after subsequent elections in 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2014. Children born during this period are known as the "born-free" generation, and those aged eighteen or older, were able to vote for the first time in 2014. Following the election of 27 April 1994, Nelson Mandela was sworn in as President of South Africa. The Government of National
Botswana–South Africa relations President Ronald Reagan. In 1986, President Quett Masire of Botswana said that South Africa's black neighbours would suffer most if Western countries imposed economic sanctions on South Africa. He said "Obviously we can't prohibit the West from imposing sanctions on South Africa and we welcome every form of pressure on the apartheid regime." Relations between South Africa and Botswana were formalised with the establishment of representative offices in both countries in 1992. The upgrading of relations to full diplomatic level came into force on 22 June 1994. The two countries enjoyed good relations during the presidencies of Thabo Mbeki and