This issue highlights escalating political repression, including deaths in detention (notably Joseph Mdluli), torture under the Terrorism Act, and mass arrests in South Africa, Namibia, and Rhodesia. It covers the Namibian SWAPO trial, state violence against Black Consciousness members, demolitions in Windhoek, and rural forced removals in South Africa (Majeng case). Also includes updates on political trials and mass arrests in Zimbabwe.

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.

This issue of FOCUS documents government plans and actions regarding the forced incorporation of various areas (Moutse, Botshabelo, Peelton, Leeuwfontein, Braklaagte) into South African bantustans during 1988-1989. It details community resistance, legal challenges, forced removals, police and vigilante violence, states of emergency, and the response of civil society organizations. The report includes references to contemporary press coverage and provides context on the humanitarian and political implications of these events.