The removal of U.S. sanctions against South Africa followed which election?

The removal of U.S. sanctions against South Africa followed the election of Nelson Mandela in 1994. Mandela’s election was a significant turning point in South Africa's history, marking the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of democratic governance. The U.S. had imposed sanctions on South Africa during the apartheid era as a means to pressure the government to end its discriminatory policies.

With Mandela, a symbol of the anti-apartheid struggle and the first Black president elected in a fully representative democratic election, taking office, the international community, including the United States, recognized the significant political changes occurring in the country. This led to a shift in U.S. policy, culminating in the lifting of the sanctions, which were seen as no longer appropriate given the new government's commitment to equality and democracy.

The other choices do not relate to the end of U.S. sanctions in this context. Frederik de Klerk was the last president of apartheid South Africa, Kofi Annan is known for his role as UN Secretary-General, and Joseph Kabila was the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, none of which are pertinent to the sanctions against South Africa.