Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- July–August 1979 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1 newsletter (multi-page, printed text)
Context area
Name of creator
Repository
Archival history
Held within the IDAF archive as part of the comprehensive series on political developments in Southern Africa.
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
South African History Archive (SAHA)
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This issue details a new phase of military escalation in Namibia, including South African troop build-ups, air raids in Angola, martial law extensions, and mass detentions in Windhoek. It covers the repression in ‘Zimbabwe-Rhodesia,’ highlighting political trials, executions, the Mothopeng PAC trial, and press censorship. Key developments include the sentencing of PAC members, reports of sexual violence by security forces in protected villages, new appointments to suppress dissent, and the systematic use of curfews and detentions without trial.
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 newsletter archive.
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Freely accessible for public and scholarly use.
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 scanned from original print format; readable.
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
Issues 1–22, PAC trial records, martial law regulations, SWAPO detentions, Rhodesia execution reports.
Publication note
Focus', Issue No. 23. International Defence and Aid Fund, July–August 1979.
Notes area
Note
Issue captures a high level of military activity, judicial executions, and systemic violence against civilians and detainees.
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Zephania Mothopeng (Subject)
- Solomon Mahlangu (Subject)
- Sam Nujoma (Subject)
- Daniel Tjongarero (Subject)
- Mokganedi Tihabanello (Subject)
- P.W. Botha (Subject)
- Ian Smith (Subject)
- Bishop Muzorewa (Subject)
- Robert Mugabe (Subject)
- Kenneth Kaunda (Subject)
- Donal Lamont (Subject)
- Priscilla Jana (Subject)
- Hamilton Keke (Subject)
- Michael Matsobane (Subject)
- Nto Mitta Maphike (Subject)
- Hector Ncokazi (Subject)
- Thami Mazwai (Subject)
- Lawrence Mvula (Subject)
- Vuma Makeke (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
Substantial coverage of intensified warfare in Namibia, extended martial law, repression in Zimbabwe, and the PAC trial outcomes.