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The article discusses the decision of South African President F. W. de Klerk to release political activist Nelson Mandela from prison, after twenty-seven years of incarceration. While attending his first press conference after his release, Mandela said that he was surprised by the number of whites in South Africa that identify themselves with what is happening in the country among blacks. Senior police offers in South Africa argued against the release of Mandela because he might create political instability in the country.

The article reports and comments on current events in the news during the week of April 29, 1972. A number of items are covered including the conduct of the war in Vietnam by the administration of U.S. president Richard Nixon, the possibility of appointing an African American ambassador to South Africa and the impact of activists promoting social change on corporate stockholder meetings.

Focuses on the political and social situation of South Africa. Conflict between the African National Movement and Zulu chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi's Inkatha movement; Problems of drafting of a new constitution and organization and management of economy; Accusations made by the African National Congress against the government of favoring Inkatha; Focus on Nelson Mandela, president of the African National Congress.

Reports the life and work of South African political activist Winnie Mandela. Involvement of Mandela in the slaying of a 14-year-old boy by her bodyguards; Struggle of Mandela against racism; Marriage of Mandela to the imprisoned leader of a revolutionary movement; Problems faced by Mandela in the late 1960s and early 1970s when the African National Congress was effectively suppressed; Rivalry between Mandela and a black leader Albertina Sisulu.

Focuses on the tribalism in South Africa. Consequences of the liberation first, education later campaign launched by the African National Congress in the townships some six years ago; Information on mass murders of black men in squatter settlements and townships in South Africa; Conflict between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Zulu organization Inkatha; Comments on the ANC's delegitimization of smaller political competitors, the Pan-Africanists and the Black Consciousness movement.

Presents information on the progress of anti-apartheid movement in and out of South Africa in 1984. Report that Bishop Desmond Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October; Killing of more than 200 blacks by the police in demonstrations since September; Assertion of President P.W. Botha to take any steps necessary to maintain law and order; Need to discard constructive engagement and devise a new policy for South Africa; Information on the Solarz-Gray bill related to divestment.

Describes the South African militia movement which is also known as the white right. Similarities between the South African white right and militia movements in the U.S.; Attitude of South African President Nelson Mandela towards the group; Factors behind the changes in the white right's cohesion.

Discusses the political scenario of Tanzania and role of Dar es Salaam in liberation movement of blacks in white-dominated Southern Africa. Implication of the Lisbon coup on Portugal's colonialist desires; Information on the South African attitude towards the liberation movement of blacks; South African policy of détente; Details of the Liberation Committee of the Organization of African Unity.

Focuses on the crackdown of the African Resistance Movement (ARM), a revolution of middles class young intellectuals against apartheid laws, by the government of South Africa. Time frame by which the ARM committed sabotage activities in South Africa; Members of ARM who were arrested and sentenced to prison; Reason why ARM members committed sabotage; Reason of Adrian Leftwich, one of the ARM leaders, for turning into a state witness; Targets of the South African government after ARM.