Mandela was appointed President of the ANC's Transvaal branch, rising to prominence for his involvement in the 1952 Defiance Campaign and the 1955 Congress of the People.
Mandela foi nomeado presidente da rama de Transvaal do CNA, acadando notoriedade coa súa participación na Campaña de Desafío de 1952 e no Congreso do Pobo de 1955.