Mandela took Xuma's place on the ANC National Executive in March 1950.[64] That month, the Defend Free Speech Convention was held in Johannesburg, bringing together African, Indian and communist activists to call an anti-apartheid general strike.
UMandela wathatha isikhundla sikaXuma kwisigungu sikazwelonke se-ANC ngoMashi ka-1950,[70] kanti ngawo lowo nyaka wakhethwa ukuba ngumongameli wophiki lwabasha i-ANCYL.[71] NgoMashi, kwabanjwa ingqungquthela enkulu eyayibizwa iDefend Free Speech Convention eJohannesburg, eyahlanganisa ama-Afrika, AmaNdiya, kanye nezishoshovu nezishukumi zamakhomanisi ukwenza isimemezelo sesiteleka sikaMeyi se-May Day ukubhikisha ukulwa nenqubo yobandlululo kanye nombuso wedlanzana labamhlophe.