when did nelson mandela become leader of the anc
Rise to power. The administration of F.W. de Klerk lifted the ban on the ANC in 1990, and its leaders were released from prison or allowed to return to South Africa and conduct peaceful political activities. Nelson Mandela, the most important of the ANCâs leaders, succeeded Oliver Tambo as president in 1991. Mandela led the ANC in negotiations (1992â93) with the government over transition to a government elected by universal suffrage.