Final answer:
Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years and became president of South Africa around four years after his release, totaling about 30 years (Option D). His presidency marked a new era of democracy and reconciliation in South Africa following the apartheid regime.
Step-by-step explanation:
About how long after Nelson Mandela was imprisoned did he become president of South Africa? The correct answer is D) 30 years.
After enduring 27 years of imprisonment for his role as a political leader of the ANC and the anti-apartheid movement, Nelson Mandela was released in 1990. He later became the president of South Africa in the historic multiracial elections of 1994, approximately four years after his release. Therefore, the total time from when Mandela was imprisoned to when he became president amounts to around 30 years.
During his presidency, Mandela focused on reconciliation and, after his term ended, he dedicated himself to fighting against poverty and AIDS. His election marked a significant turning point for South Africa as it transitioned from the apartheid regime to a democratic government.