Abstract:
This research joins people-centered approaches to development in understanding how social
relationships are integrated into the efficacy of human development organizations in South
Africa during a crisis. It positions itself within a Relational Thinking approach. A relational tool
was applied to measure the relational dynamics within two organizations in South Africa who
provided support to people economically affected by the COVID-19 crisis and the
accompanying lockdowns. An existing computer-generated program called the Relational
Health Audit (RHA) was used to study the proximity or distance between individuals and groups
in their organizations. The findings show the relational footprint of development organizations
due to deepened connections, continuity, understanding of context, sensitivity to power
dynamics and commonality. These relationships allowed quick adjustments and responses to
people’s needs in the crisis. Through a relational approach, the article highlights why
development cannot simply be viewed through a singular lens, but instead needs to be
understood through a wide ranging and open-ended set of inquiries into systems,
interventions, and outcomes.
