Draft dodgers in 1980s South Africa: Styles of Liminality and Lostness

Abstract

The subject of analysis in this article is oral testimony delivered by five white men who resisted conscription to the apartheid army in the 1980s. The argument, underpinned throughout by its focus on a liminal mode of being expressed by these men both during apartheid and subsequent to its demise, is set in motion by outlining the socio historical context that framed the interviewees’ complex stances of resistance. The argument proceeds by paying close attention to transcripts of interviews that were conducted from 2010 to 2013, and thereafter applies concepts considered useful for the interpretation thereof. These additions to the interpretative framework include Stewart Motha’s concept of liminality as applied to Antjie Krog’s writings and experiences, as well as Minesh Dass’s notions of white liberalism and lostness. Attention is also paid to the ways in which Donald McRae narrates his memories of resistance to conscription. McRae’s narration of his resistance stands as a counterpoint to the modes of resistance articulated by the interviewees. The argument concludes by applying Breyten Breytenbach’s ideas of the Middle World and the uncitizen to analysis of the testimony.

 Opsomming

Hierdie artikel ontleed die mondelinge getuienis van vyf wit mans wat diensplig in die apartheidsweermag in die 1980’s teengestaan het. Die vertrekpunt van die betoog is die sosiohistoriese konteks van die ondervraagdes se ingewikkelde stellinginname jeens weerstand. Die argument word deurgaans onderle deur die fokus op die liminale bestaansuitdrukking wat gedurende en na apartheid deur die mans getoon is. Daar word verder noukeurig aandag geskenk aan transkripsies van onderhoude wat tussen 2010 en 2013 en daarna gevoer is, en konsepte wat as nuttig beskou word, word dienooreenkomstig in die ontleding van die transkripsies toegepas. Die ontledings raamwerk sluit in Stewart Motha se beginsel van liminaliteit, soos dit toegepas is op Antjie Krog se geskrewe werk en ervarings, asook Minesh Dass se nosie van wit liberalisme en verlorenheid (lostness). Ook word daar gefokus op die wyses waarop Donald McRae sy herinneringe aan die weerstand tot diensplig verhaal. McRae se vertelling oor sy weerstand dien as teenwig tot die maniere waarop weerstand deur die ondervraagdes uitgedruk is. Die argument sluit af met 'n ontleding van die getuienis aan die hand van Breyten Breytenbach se nosies van die Middelwereld (Middle World) en die onburger (uncitizen).