Issue 50 covers the widespread rejection of South Africa’s new constitution by black communities, intensified state repression through arrests, treason trials, and censorship. It documents the brutal crackdown on the United Democratic Front (UDF), mass arrests in Namibia’s Kavango region, detentions of students and clergy, torture, trials under the Internal Security Act, and township resistance. The issue also includes coverage of Inkatha violence, the banning of political meetings, police shootings, and hanging secrecy policies. An obituary for Alex Hepple is included.
Forced removals
14 Archival description results for Forced removals
This issue of 'Focus' documents the forced removals of black South Africans from designated 'black spots' and rural communities, including KwaNgema and Huhudi, during 1984-1985. It details government policies, legal challenges, and community resistance to removals to bantustans such as KaNgwane, KwaZulu, and Bophuthatswana. The publication also provides statistics from the Surplus People Project and references to media coverage. It outlines the objectives and international affiliations of IDAF, and includes a catalogue of IDAF publications.
International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)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.
International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)This issue of FOCUS documents government plans and actions regarding the forced incorporation of various areas (Moutse, Botshabelo, Peelton, Leeuwfontein, Braklaagte) into South African bantustans during 1988-1989. It details community resistance, legal challenges, forced removals, police and vigilante violence, states of emergency, and the response of civil society organizations. The report includes references to contemporary press coverage and provides context on the humanitarian and political implications of these events.
International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)