Final answer:
The end of apartheid in South Africa was attributed to the divestment movement, strong resistance leadership from within by leaders like Mandela and Mbeki, and international condemnation through economic sanctions, all exerting pressure that led to systemic change and the first multiracial elections in 1994.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factors Leading to the End of Apartheid
The end of apartheid in South Africa was the result of several critical factors that collectively led to this significant change. One major influence was the divestment movement, which exerted economic pressure on South Africa to reform, eventually contributing to undermining apartheid's financial sustainability. The movement included international boycotts, with organizations like the University of California banning business with companies that operated in South Africa, compelling companies such as IBM to cut ties with the apartheid government.
Another pivotal element was the resistance leadership within South Africa, particularly from the African National Congress (ANC) under figures like Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, and Desmond Tutu. These leaders, through a blend of diplomacy and struggle, convinced both the South African population and white leaders that ending apartheid would benefit all, although it took years of activism and resistance, including Mandela's 27-year imprisonment, to reach this stage.
Furthermore, the international condemnation and sanctions imposed by other countries had a profound influence. The global rejection of apartheid, often manifesting through economic sanctions, increased the isolation of the South African government and added to the internal and external pressures for change. Ultimately, the combination of internal resistance, international pressure, and economic challenges led to the repeal of apartheid laws, Nelson Mandela's release from prison, and the country's first multiracial elections in 1994.