hence cannot associate with us. Others make the process of meeting with them too cumbersome, for example saying that they have to obtain board approval for a simple meeting. It’s frustrating when other organisations don’t want to meet or work with you. However, there are few all-weather partner organisations working in human rights, that tend to naturally align with our cause.” - GALZ Staff Member. The raids have had some long term impact on some of the stakeholders and partners who now have fear of being associated with GALZ. To deal with some of the challenges, GALZ has resorted to partnering with organisations willing to issue out event invitations in their name. Apart from the challenges of getting partner co-operation, the raids have also affected GALZ in that they have to dedicate more resources towards defending their existence. “The raids impact on us as an organisation, as half the time as staff we are trying to defend ourselves in order to continue carrying out the work than furthering the objectives of the organisation” - GALZ Staff Member. Members Perceptions of the raids After every raid, a lot of perceptions are shared by members as they try to come up with explainations. Among other things, some members shared the belief that staff members or some board members initiate the raids so that GALZ gets attention, which would then lead to increased funding. There is widespread speculation amongst the members that whenever 41 An Assessment of the impact of state sanctioned and unsanctioned raids on GALZ premises and gatherings