As communities across South Africa marked Mandela Month over the past several weeks, thousands of Scout members quietly demonstrated that Nelson Mandela’s legacy is not only remembered each July, but lived every day through service, leadership and active citizenship.
Long before democracy, Scouting in South Africa had already demonstrated the power of unity. During a period when South African society remained deeply divided, the Scout Movement was organised into four separate Associations, each serving different communities. In 1977, those organisations united to form a single Scout Association open to all young South Africans. The decision was a significant step towards inclusion and reflected Scouting’s belief that young people are stronger when they learn, grow and serve together.
When Nelson Mandela became President of South Africa in 1994, he recognised the pioneering role Scouting had played in bringing young people together across communities and accepted the role of Patron of SCOUTS South Africa. Under his patronage, the Movement experienced significant growth, reaching more young people and strengthening its contribution to youth development across the country.
Mandela’s commitment to human dignity, education and the development of young people was recognised by the Africa Scout Committee when he was presented with the Africa Elephant Award, Scouting’s highest honour on the continent. The award was presented on 23 April 2004 by then Chief Scout of South Africa, Nkwenkwe Nkomo.
Speaking as the Patron of SCOUTS South Africa, Mandela recognised the enduring value of the Movement in shaping future generations: “The Scout Movement is a world leader in educating youth. Scouting inspires patriotism, sound moral values, courage, character-building, self-reliance and community awareness. It also motivates our young people to achieve their full potential. The importance of a high moral code, which is at the foundation of the Scout Movement, cannot be stressed too highly.”
More than two decades later, those words remain relevant. “In a world where young people face increasingly complex social, economic and environmental challenges, character, resilience, ethical leadership and a commitment to serving others are no longer desirable qualities; they are essential for building stronger communities and a more sustainable future,” reflects SCOUTS SA Chief Executive Office Wayne du Plessis.
“Scouting provides young people with something that cannot be learned from a textbook alone. Through practical experiences, outdoor adventure, community service and youth-led leadership opportunities, young people develop the confidence, skills and values needed to make a positive difference wherever they live. Service is not treated as a once-off activity, but as a way of life.
This Mandela Month has once again demonstrated that philosophy in action. Across South Africa, Scout Groups have led environmental projects, packed Jars of Hope, supported vulnerable communities, cleaned neighbourhoods and volunteered their time in countless ways. These acts of service may differ in scale, but together they demonstrate the collective impact that values-driven young people can have when they are empowered to lead.
Today, SCOUTS South Africa’s volunteers support and serve over 32 000 young people from all walks of life in all nine provinces. As one of the oldest and largest youth organisations in South Africa, the impact of learning, leading and giving back is being felt in communities across the country. From children aged 5 to 10, to youth aged 11 to 17, young adults aged 18 to 30, and adult volunteers, every person in Scouting can develop knowledge, practical skills and leadership while living the high moral code embodied in the Scout Promise and Law. Scouting continues to develop active ethical citizens while building memories and fostering a lifelong commitment to learning and service.”
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Mandela often reminded South Africans that real change begins with ordinary people choosing to act. Every service project completed, every young leader empowered and every community strengthened through Scouting is a reminder that his legacy is carried forward not only through words, but through action. As SCOUTS South Africa continues to develop young people of character, the Movement remains committed to ensuring that the values Mandela championed continue to inspire generations of active citizens for years to come.