This issue of the News Bulletin focuses on political repression in Southern Africa, with a particular emphasis on Namibia and South Africa during mid-1986. It covers the Ai-Gams Declaration and the mobilization for Namibian independence, education struggles and student protests, SWAPO's military offensive against South African occupation forces, and the clampdown on information by South African authorities. The bulletin includes detailed reports of military actions, political trials, detentions, new laws under the state of emergency, and the repression of labour movements.

This issue of FOCUS covers labour disputes and union activities in Namibia during the first half of 1989, including strikes and negotiations involving NUNW affiliates such as NAPWU, NAFAU, MANWU, and MUN. It also reports on political prisoners, including ongoing detentions and legal proceedings. The publication provides context on the relationship between unions and SWAPO during the transition to independence, and includes a list of sources and abbreviations.