Mandela opposed the strike because it was multi-racial and not ANC-led, but a majority of black workers took part, resulting in increased police repression and the introduction of the Suppression of Communism Act, 1950, affecting the actions of all protest groups.
Mandela menentang mogok tersebut karena tidak dipimpin ANC, tetapi mayoritas pekerja berkulit hitam terlibat, sehingga kepolisian terpaksa meningkatkan aksi kekerasan dan memperkenalkan Undang-Undang Pemberantasan Komunisme 1950 yang memengaruhi aksi semua kelompok pengunjuk rasa.