Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- September–October 1979 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1 newsletter (multi-page, printed text)
Context area
Name of creator
Repository
Archival history
Held as part of the IDAF archive’s political trial and legal repression series.
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
South African History Archive (SAHA)
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This issue covers the major treason trial of 12 alleged ANC guerillas, repression under martial law in Zimbabwe (Rhodesia), escalating political trials in South Africa, continued security legislation abuses, and numerous detentions and bannings. It includes detailed reports on the use of torture, child detentions, the settlement of civil suits like the Steve Biko case, and bans imposed on legal defenders like Priscilla Jana. Reports on trials span across Transkei, Ciskei, Namibia, and Botswana. Also included are conditions in resettlement camps like Dimbaza and Ilinge, treatment of political prisoners on Robben Island and Kroonstad, and censorship cases involving journalists.
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 chronologically in the IDAF 'Focus' bulletin series.
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Public access permitted for research and education.
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 scan of original printed document; readable with structured layout.
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 1–23, ANC treason trial records, Biko family case files, PAC trial records, reports on martial law and Rhodesian executions.
Publication note
Focus', Issue No. 24. International Defence and Aid Fund, September–October 1979.
Notes area
Note
Issue notable for its detailed documentation of legal repression and the wide range of political trials across the region, including South Africa, Transkei, and Rhodesia.
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Steve Biko (Subject)
- Priscilla Jana (Subject)
- Solomon Mahlangu (Subject)
- John Sekete (Subject)
- Mandla Mthethwa (Subject)
- Vusimuzi Zulu (Subject)
- Stanley Ndlovu (Subject)
- Mputie Matsobane (Subject)
- Sabata Dalindyebo (Subject)
- Florence Mangcotywa (Subject)
- Albert Befile (Subject)
- Henry Magaza (Subject)
- Zwelakhe Sisulu (Subject)
- Jill Joubert (Subject)
- H.E. O’Connor (Subject)
- Malusi Mpumlwana (Subject)
- Mxolisi Mvovo (Subject)
- Joyce Mashamba (Subject)
- Mandla Magudulela (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
A densely detailed issue highlighting systemic legal oppression, shifting legal tactics such as treason charges, and detention of political activists across all age groups.