Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- November 1977 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1 newsletter (multi-page, printed text)
Context area
Name of creator
Repository
Archival history
Part of the IDAF archival series documenting political repression, maintained by anti-apartheid archives.
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
South African History Archive (SAHA)
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This issue reports the mass banning of Black Consciousness organisations and individuals on 19 October 1977, including the SASO, BPC, and Soweto Students’ Representative Council. It details arrests, detentions, and police violence during student uprisings and protests, particularly in Soweto, Eastern Cape, and universities. Coverage includes Steve Biko’s death in detention, memorial actions, and international solidarity. Rhodesian repression, Namibian occupation, and emergency powers in Bophuthatswana and Ciskei are also covered. Political trials, such as the Pretoria Twelve and Springs Six, and inquests into deaths in detention are documented.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Retained permanently for historical research on Southern African political repression and human rights violations.
Accruals
No further accruals expected.
System of arrangement
Filed sequentially in the IDAF 'Focus' bulletin series by issue number and date.
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Open to public access for research and educational purposes.
Conditions governing reproduction
Reproduction allowed with proper citation of IDAF as source.
Language of material
English
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
OCR-processed version of printed newsletter, legible condition.
Finding aids
Uploaded finding aid
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Originals held by the South African History Archives.
Existence and location of copies
Digital copy available through the PWP projects and other Archives.
Related units of description
Focus Issues 1–12, SASO-BPC trial records, Steve Biko inquest, and ANC underground trial documentation.
Publication note
Focus', Issue No. 13. International Defence and Aid Fund, November 1977.
Notes area
Note
Features comprehensive coverage of the October 1977 crackdown, detentions, emergency proclamations, and key trials of anti-apartheid activists.
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Steve Biko (Subject)
- Winnie Mandela (Subject)
- Donald Woods (Subject)
- Beyers Naude (Subject)
- Mosima Gabriel Sexwale (Subject)
- Matthew Goniwe (Subject)
- Percy Qoboza (Subject)
- Kenneth Rachidi (Subject)
- Joe Gqabi (Subject)
- Solomon Mahlangu (Subject)
- Raymond Ramapepe (Subject)
- Peter Randall (Subject)
- Fatima Meer (Subject)
- Ellen Khuzwayo (Subject)
- Naledi Tsiki (Subject)
- Mamphela Ramphele (Subject)
- Christmas Tinto (Subject)
Genre access points
Description control area
Description identifier
Institution identifier
Rules and/or conventions used
ISAD(G): General International Standard Archival Description, Second Edition
Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation revision deletion
Language(s)
Script(s)
Sources
Archivist's note
Extensively detailed bulletin documenting one of the most intense periods of apartheid-era repression, including the banning of key organisations and detentions of major figures.