The ANC declares the Year of the Charter

The government banned Black Consciousness bodies and other organizations, closed The World and Weekend World, and restricted prominent activists and journalists.

South African airborne forces attacked a SWAPO refugee and transit camp at Cassinga, killing hundreds. The raid became a major symbol of regional resistance to apartheid military power.

Botha replaced John Vorster and developed a strategy combining limited constitutional reform with military and security repression.

The apartheid state hanged the young MK combatant despite a major international campaign for clemency. His final message became a rallying cry for resistance.

Independent unions created a nonracial federation built around strong workplace organization. FOSATU helped lay foundations for a larger labour movement in the 1980s.

Three MK members, pursued by police, entered a Pretoria bank and took hostages. A police assault killed the three combatants and two civilians.

ANC combatants used rifles, rockets and grenades and scattered leaflets demanding Walter Sisulu's release from Robben Island.

Coordinated explosions at major coal-to-oil facilities demonstrated MK's growing capacity to strike strategic economic targets.

After months of boycotts, authorities closed schools mainly in the Cape rather than address demands for equal education.

Media workers demanded higher pay and recognition of their union, connecting workplace rights with opposition to racial inequality in the press.