Issue 57 outlines the intensifying political repression in South Africa and Namibia during early 1985. It highlights escalating political trials, over 1,100 detentions in 1984, censorship and state raids on press agencies, the trial of SWAPO fighters under repressive conditions, and the growing use of the Internal Security Act. The issue reports on community resistance, school boycotts, labour union suppression, press censorship, and constitutional manipulation to preserve apartheid structures. It includes detailed trial summaries, prisoner lists, and coverage of Nelson Mandela’s conditional release rejection.

This issue of FOCUS covers political repression and resistance in Namibia and Angola during mid-1985. Topics include police actions against Lutheran pastors in Namibia, raids on SWAPO leaders and former political prisoners, South African military activities in Angola (notably the Cabinda commando incident), and the broader context of South African withdrawal and ongoing conflict. The publication also provides subscription information and outlines the objectives and international affiliations of IDAF.

This issue of FOCUS reports on increased aggression by the South African apartheid regime against neighboring Southern African countries, including Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, Angola, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Swaziland, following threats from the South African State Security Council. It details incidents of cross-border raids, military build-ups, and political developments in the region during late 1985 and early 1986. The publication includes updates on the activities of the ANC, SWAPO, and South African surrogate forces, as well as responses from affected governments. The issue also contains subscription information and a statement of IDAF's objectives.

This article details a campaign by the South African regime to undermine SWAPO (South West Africa People’s Organization) and associated church groups in Namibia during the mid-1980s. It describes the infiltration of SWAPO by South African spies, the dissemination of propaganda, and the targeting of church organizations such as the Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN). The article references press conferences, confessions by captured agents, and attacks on church property, as well as the international response to these events. It also includes statements from SWAPO leaders and church officials, and discusses the broader context of repression and resistance in Namibia.

This issue of FOCUS reports on the executions of anti-apartheid activists in South Africa, the appeals for clemency, and the international response. It details the involvement of various organizations, the reactions of families, and the subsequent protests and police actions. The publication also outlines the objectives of IDAF and provides information about affiliated committees and the broader publications programme.

This article documents the large-scale South African military invasion of Angola between August and November 1987, detailing troop movements, battles in Cunene and Cuando Cubango provinces, air raids, casualties, and the political context involving the Front-Line States and international reactions. It also covers issues of troop morale, mutinies, and the broader regional destabilization by South Africa, including actions in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.

This issue of FOCUS reports on South African military aggression against Front Line States, particularly Angola, during late 1987 and early 1988. It details attacks, bombings, and cross-border operations, as well as the international response, including United Nations Security Council actions. The issue also provides a chronology of incidents in Southern Africa, subscription information, and outlines the objectives and international reach of IDAF.

This article documents the secrecy surrounding executions in South Africa during late 1988, highlighting the lack of official information prior to executions and the reliance on newspaper reports by monitoring groups. It details the execution of eight men (with one granted a stay), discrepancies in official statistics on political death sentences, and the case of George Skosana. The article also covers several trials resulting in death sentences and lengthy prison terms for individuals involved in political unrest, including the Tumahole and PUTCO cases. The text references specific individuals, events, and sources, illustrating the broader context of political repression and the use of the death penalty.

This issue of FOCUS reports on the activities of UNITA in Angola and Namibia, including attacks on villages, infrastructure, and the laying of landmines. It details atrocities such as executions, public burnings, cattle rustling, killings, and kidnappings. The publication includes references to international responses and sources, and provides information about IDAF's mission and publishing activities.

This issue documents key developments in South Africa in March 1990, including the Organisation of African Unity’s monitoring of events, the ANC’s return from exile, and the restructuring of anti-apartheid organizations such as SAYCO and SACTU. It provides context on the evolving relationship between the unbanned ANC and other legal organizations, and includes references to major news sources. The publication also outlines the mission and activities of IDAF and its affiliated committees worldwide.