On "supportive outsiders"

Platzky and Walker offer some suggestions on the role of 'supportive outsiders' in the context of the struggle against apartheid in their book "The Surplus People: Forced Removals in South Africa" (1985), covered here. It may be interesting for students of international development to reflect on the progression of ideas over the last three decades, such as these:

• "There are many subtleties in a community struggle which are difficult for outsiders to grasp. What is seen as a victory from outside may not be seen that way inside. Outsiders frequently pull out when they think the issue is won, leaving a community which may be quite dependent on them. When divisions begin to show as the contradictions are thrown up, the people look outside for solutions. Meanwhile the outsiders may have become involved in another issue, perhaps trying to save some other place from relocation. Disillusionment sets in and people appeal to officials, but they too are aware that the outside supporters are absent, so they return to treating the people as they have always treated black people." (p. 319)

• "There are a number of guidelines for people who want to get involved with communities under threat of removal. One of the most useful resources to offer is that of information on aspects of relocation such as the law, consolidation plans according to various reports over the last decade, which other communities are under threat, and what strategies different communities have tried." (p. 317)