Nelson Mandela was the biggest protester against South Africa's apartheid system of racial segregation and discrimination. He was imprisoned for 17 years for his anti-apartheid activities before being released in 1990. Four years later, he became South Africa's first black president, helping the country transition away from apartheid. In 1981, New Zealand experienced large protests against a rugby tour by the South African Springboks due to opposition to apartheid. Over 150,000 people participated in demonstrations against the tour across multiple games.