The apartheid system was a system of racial segregation enforced by the South African government between 1948 and 1994. It gave rights to the white minority and discriminated against the black, Indian, and colored populations. Nelson Mandela fought against apartheid and became president after its end in 1994. Apartheid started because the white settlers wanted to maintain power over the native Africans. It faced significant protests and disagreement, which eventually contributed to its demise. Life under apartheid was difficult for non-white populations, with restrictions on work, living conditions, and civil rights.