Stuk PWPFOCI048 - Focus on Political Repression in Southern Africa - Issue 48

1 newsletter (multi-page, printed text)

Held in the IDAF series documenting ongoing political repression and civil resistance in apartheid-era Southern Africa.

South African History Archive (SAHA)

This issue highlights post-execution protests, a new death sentence, eleven treason charges in the Eastern Cape, renewed banning orders, and worsening prison conditions for political detainees. It covers township protests in Soweto and East London, police repression of rent and transport protests, numerous detentions including youth activists and clergy, and the extensive use of Section 50 of the Internal Security Act. Reports include detailed updates on treason trials, executions, state witness manipulations, prison deaths, media censorship in Namibia, the banning of Archbishop Denis Hurley's statements, and mass grave discoveries. Notably, the issue records a police massacre during a transport boycott in Mdantsane.

Retained permanently for historical research on Southern African political repression and human rights violations.

No further accruals expected.

Chronologically ordered within the IDAF Focus newsletter series.

Open access.

Reproduction allowed with proper citation of IDAF as source.

• Engels

OCR scanned and fully readable.

Originals held by the South African History Archives.

Digital copy available through the PWP projects and other Archives.

Issues 1–47, Mdantsane Massacre records, Namibia press censorship files, ANC treason trial archives.

Focus', Issue No. 48. International Defence and Aid Fund, September–October 1983.

Key resource documenting both individual human rights abuses and systemic repression mechanisms, including new court censorship practices and increased restrictions on public dissent.

ISAD(G): General International Standard Archival Description, Second Edition

This issue captures the rising tide of civil resistance and government backlash in 1983. Special attention is given to legal repression, executions, township uprisings, and international reactions to apartheid.