This issue details the South African government's deepening apartheid policies after the 1977 elections, repression through political trials, detentions, and bannings. Major trials include the Pretoria Twelve, Springs Six, and PAC-related cases. It reports on torture in Namibia, police killings, arson trials, and student resistance. The issue includes coverage of Steve Biko’s aftermath, the death of Robert Sobukwe, Soweto’s community council elections, detentions of minors, and rising legal and political suppression.

This issue documents intensified repression of black trade unions, including police brutality, deportations, and censorship of union material. It covers mass removals under apartheid laws, including the Hout Bay evictions, relocation of farm squatters, and resettlement for wildlife conservation. A major feature is the in-depth testimony of ANC official Zinjiva Nkondo, abducted and interrogated by South African security forces. Also included are reports on student repression in the bantustans, widespread bans on political gatherings, censorship of Mandela campaign material, trials of ANC guerrillas, Robben Island prison conditions, and Namibia's 'internal settlement' military and administrative developments.

This issue of 'Focus' documents the forced removals of black South Africans from designated 'black spots' and rural communities, including KwaNgema and Huhudi, during 1984-1985. It details government policies, legal challenges, and community resistance to removals to bantustans such as KaNgwane, KwaZulu, and Bophuthatswana. The publication also provides statistics from the Surplus People Project and references to media coverage. It outlines the objectives and international affiliations of IDAF, and includes a catalogue of IDAF publications.