ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to share and interpret some of the experiences of some African children and young people who have had to support and nurture themselves in a society that made it difficult or impossible for adults consistently to nurture, support and protect them. S. Burman reminds us that South Africa is a country with rapid and fundamental economic social and political changes. Solidarity depends upon trust and trust depends upon spontaneous and democratic relationships between adults and children. Identity confusion is encouraged by a world in which adults are distant and dangerous. Children cannot easily form benign relationships if adults have a fairytale capacity to vanish and reappear and have unchallengeable powers to do damage or harm to children. The cynicism of many children about adults is well-merited, and often well concealed behind a superficial compliance.
