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Issue

MAY 1990

This issue of FOCUS covers the independence of Namibia, the unbanning of political organizations in South Africa, the release of Nelson Mandela, and ongoing political repression, including detentions, trials, and the exposure of police and military 'hit' squads.

12 pages · 16 articles · validated

Front matter

  • front matter

    Masthead

    pp. 1

    Publication details and masthead for IDAF Publications Ltd.

Articles

16
  • article

    Republic of Namibia born

    pp. 1–2 11 people 9 places 15 organizations

    An overview of Namibia's independence celebrations, the new government, and the economic and security challenges facing the new nation.

  • article

    Amnesties free prisoners

    pp. 2 17 people 5 places 7 organizations

    Details on the release of political prisoners in Namibia, including NANSO members and others, and the amnesty granted to members of South African security forces.

  • article

    Police and army 'hit' squads exposed

    pp. 3 23 people 11 places 8 organizations

    An investigation into the exposure of police and military 'hit' squads responsible for the assassination of political opponents.

  • article

    Restrictions remain

    pp. 3–4 1 people 1 places 1 organizations

    An explanation of the legal framework for banning organizations and individuals in South Africa, noting that while some bans were lifted, the power to reimpose them remains.

  • article

    Popular resistance

    pp. 4 16 places 2 organizations

    A report on the resurgence of housing and rent protests across South Africa, including consumer boycotts and clashes with police.

  • article

    Media

    pp. 4 1 people 3 places

    A report on the continued restrictions on media reporting in South Africa despite the revocation of the Media Emergency Regulations.

  • article

    Prisoners demand release

    pp. 5 4 people 4 places 3 organizations

    A report on the hunger strike by Robben Island prisoners demanding the release of all political prisoners and improved prison conditions.

  • article

    Mandela out of prison

    pp. 5 4 people 5 places 2 organizations

    A brief biography of Nelson Mandela and a report on his release from Victor Verster Prison.

  • article

    Prisoners protest

    pp. 6 14 people 8 places 8 organizations

    A report on hunger strikes in various South African prisons, including Diepkloof, Kroonstad, and Pretoria Central, as prisoners protest for political status and better conditions.

  • article

    Political prisoners reported released since 2 February

    pp. 6 7 places

    A list of political prisoners released from various prisons between February and March 1990.

  • article

    Death sentences

    pp. 7 9 people 5 places 1 organizations

    A report on the moratorium on executions and the status of prisoners on Death Row in South Africa.

  • article

    Political trials

    pp. 7–8 32 people 12 places 3 organizations

    A report on various completed political trials in South Africa, including those of Harold Matsididi, Helen Mpho Mogale, and others.

  • article

    Other trials

    pp. 8–10 16 people 23 places 3 organizations

    A report on various trials related to public violence, illegal gatherings, and capital charges in South Africa.

  • article

    Detentions

    pp. 9–10 14 people 32 places 13 organizations

    A report on mass detentions in South Africa, including those under the Internal Security Act and emergency regulations, and deaths in custody.

  • article

    Bantustans

    pp. 11 8 people 11 places 2 organizations

    A report on the mass resistance in bantustan areas, the role of the SADF in propping up bantustan administrations, and the shifting political strategies of bantustan leaders.

  • article

    ANC sets up open structures

    pp. 12 4 people 7 places 9 organizations

    A report on the ANC's preparations for negotiations, the establishment of open structures in South Africa, and Mandela's international visits.

End matter

  • end matter

    Subscription and IDAF information

    pp. 11–12

    Subscription information for FOCUS and details about the humanitarian work of the International Defence and Aid Fund for Southern Africa.