Governments of its neighbours, spread violence throughout southern Africa and illegally occupied the territory of Namibia. 35. In 1985, the world had witnessed an unprece­ dented mobilization in favour of eradicating the apartheid system. Governments, organizations, movements and individuals had joined their voices everywhere to support the just claims of the South African majority. Voluntary sanctions had been imposed against the apartheid regime by institutions, enterprises and Governments, some of which have always denied the efficacy of such measures as a means to achieve the end of the apartheid system. 36. Pretoria's response could not have been more arrogant. Aware that the initiative for liberation belonged to the South African people, the Govern­ ment of Pretoria had declared a state of emergency in large parts of the country, detained several thousand people, harassed women and children, forbidden gatherings of all kinds, even on the occasion of funerals, and stimulated the discord it had always sown among the oppressed majority. On the other hand, conscious of the impact that the internal rebellion was having on public opinion abroad, the same authorities had severely restricted news cover­ age of the events, often resorting to acts of violence against the journalists who were showing to the world the reality of South Africa's spurious brand of democracy. 37. At the beginning of March 1986, in widely­ publicized statements, Pretoria had announced what had seemed to be two important decisions: the lifting of the state of emergency and the intention to start implementing Security Council resolution 435 ( 1978) in August. The serious intent of those announce­ ments appeared to be questionable. The lifting of the state of emergency had just been balanced by the introduction of new legislation which endowed the Minister of Law and Order with the authority to declare any part of the country an "unrest area". 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the political situation in South Africa, specifically the apartheid system and the government's response to international pressure. It mentions the occupation of Namibia, violent suppression of opposition, and restrictions on the media. The text also touches on the topic of international sanctions and the South African government's attempts to manipulate public opinion. Given the focus on politics and human rights, it seems unlikely that the text would fit into categories related to economic development, industry, transport, or communication.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Culture