Issue 56 documents an intensified wave of popular resistance and state repression in South Africa during the latter half of 1984, compared to the 1976 uprisings. It covers mass protests, rent boycotts, township uprisings, education strikes, and repression involving mass detentions, torture, and the militarization of civil areas. It includes resistance timelines, details of youth and trade unionist arrests, SWAPO resistance in Namibia, press censorship, and trials of political dissidents. Special attention is given to armed forces operations in Sebokeng, the rise of student activism through COSAS and AZASM, and censorship actions in Namibia.

Issue 57 outlines the intensifying political repression in South Africa and Namibia during early 1985. It highlights escalating political trials, over 1,100 detentions in 1984, censorship and state raids on press agencies, the trial of SWAPO fighters under repressive conditions, and the growing use of the Internal Security Act. The issue reports on community resistance, school boycotts, labour union suppression, press censorship, and constitutional manipulation to preserve apartheid structures. It includes detailed trial summaries, prisoner lists, and coverage of Nelson Mandela’s conditional release rejection.

This issue of FOCUS reports on the escalation of armed struggle and political trials in South Africa during 1985. It details incidents of weapon theft, guerilla attacks, landmine usage, attacks on infrastructure, and the spread of armed resistance across all four provinces. The document also covers political trials related to the armed struggle, including cases of individuals accused of military training, arms possession, and attacks on state and economic targets. The publication provides statistical breakdowns of incidents and discusses public support for armed resistance.

This issue of FOCUS documents the establishment of site-and-service schemes for squatters in the Transvaal, ongoing demolitions of squatter camps, and the implementation of harsh new laws such as the Prevention of Illegal Squatting Amendment Bill in 1988. It provides detailed accounts of forced removals in areas such as Lawaai kamp (near George), Oukasie (Brits), Durban, the East Rand, and the Eastern Cape. The publication also outlines the objectives of IDAF and lists its international affiliates. Sources include South African and international newspapers and legal resources.

This issue of Focus (no. 92) covers political trials, detentions, and the struggle for the reincorporation of the Bophuthatswana bantustan in South Africa during late 1990 and early 1991. It documents ongoing legal repression, mass detentions, bail applications, prison sentences, and mass action against apartheid-era authorities. The issue includes case studies, named individuals, and references to legal and political developments, as well as coverage of campaigns for the release of political prisoners and the activities of anti-apartheid organizations.