By 1961, Mr. Mandela had gone underground after the white-dominated Government outlawed the African National Congress.

On the other, he appeared to be offering a more moderate position to the international community, which the Congress believes is crucial in pressing the white-dominated Government to dismantle apartheid.

The strike also has far-reaching political implications, because its outcome could determine the future role of militant labor unions in fighting the apartheid system and the white-dominated Government.

The decision could complicate the negotiations that the African National Congress is exploring with the white-dominated Government on fundamental changes in the country's political structure.

A3 Violence has buffeted South Africa as it gropes toward negotiations between the white-dominated Government and the black majority.

"We are not being pushed out as such," said Uriah Mokeba, representative here of the African National Congress, which is fighting South Africa's white-dominated Government.

But delegates differed over what strategies should be used to force the white-dominated Government to negotiate.

As South Africa gropes toward negotiations between the white-dominated Government and the black majority, the nation is being torn by some of its worst violence in recent years.

Question of Authority The police insist that they are consulting with local leaders, but they refuse to submit to any authority other than the white-dominated Government.

Mr. Mandela, who is 70 years old, has served 26 years in prison for sabotage and trying to overthrow the white-dominated Government.