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

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 2010-2013, 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.