Leaders from across the African continent, youth representatives, adult volunteers, and partners in youth development from government and civil society organizations gathered in Johannesburg today for the official opening ceremony of the 16th Africa Scout Day celebrations, hosted by SCOUTS South Africa on behalf of World Scouting’s Africa Region.
Held at the auditorium of the National Youth Development Agency, the ceremony marked the start of the continent’s annual commemoration of Africa Scout Day, observed each year on 13 March following its designation by the African Union. The event celebrates the role of Scouting in empowering young people and strengthening communities across Africa.
Sandile Tshabalala
This year’s celebrations are held under the theme “Strong Roots. Bright Future.” highlighting the values that have guided Scouting for generations while recognising the role young people play as leaders and agents of positive change in their communities. Opening the ceremony, SCOUTS South Africa Board Chair Sandile Tshabalala reflected on the Movement’s enduring impact in shaping responsible citizens and ethical leaders. “To remember strong roots, is to come back to ourselves, our histories and our childhood memories. When I was 13 years, it was through Scouting that I took my first international flights to the jamboree in the United Kingdom. This was an opportunity that yielded a foundation of adventure, of curiosity, of validation and of utmost possibilities to demand more of myself in order to serve my community. Today, as a Board Chair, it is this same childhood moments that foster my urgency for the relevance of Scouting in exposing other children to access opportunities, environments, spaces and moments that can give them roots that can grow and protect their dignity. Every young person deserves a chance, not only to be successful in exceeding their potential but to remain grounded as exemplary community citizens. This is the true impact of Scouting.”
Khonzaphi Mdaka
For over 119 years, Scouting in South Africa has provided young people with opportunities to develop leadership, resilience and practical life skills through outdoor experiences, community service and peer-led learning. Today, SCOUTS South Africa continues to serve youth from diverse communities across the country, offering a safe and supportive environment where young people can build confidence, character and a sense of responsibility.
Addressing the gathering, Khonzaphi Mdaka, Chief Scout of South Africa, emphasised that Africa Scout Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the collective impact of Scouting across the continent, where millions of young people are united by shared values of service, leadership and community.
Franck Ramanarivo
International representatives from World Scouting also participated in the programme. Mary Waweru, Deputy Regional Director for World Scouting Africa, and Franck Ramanarivo, Chair of the Africa Scout Committee, highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships that support youth development and social impact across the Africa Scout Region.
Jonathan Pienaar
The ceremony also featured a youth address from Jonathan Pienaar, SCOUTS South Africa’s National Young Leaders Representative, who spoke about the importance of ensuring that young people are not only beneficiaries of development programmes but active participants in shaping their future.
Dr Masito
Delivering the keynote address was behavioural science expert and business leader Dr Mzamo Masito, founder of NudgeLabs and Board Chair of South African Tourism. A former Springbok Scout, Dr Masito reflected on the role Scouting played in shaping his leadership journey and the importance of investing in young people as Africa’s greatest asset. “What people don’t realise is that inequality is worse than poverty. I grew up in a shack, where there was violence and drugs around me. Joining Scouting gave me a social father figure who ensured I stayed busy and was encouraged to lead. Scouting saved my life. Today, boys are falling and who better to catch them than Scouting.”
Africa Scout Day commemorates the adoption of a resolution by the Organisation of African Unity – now the African Union – in 1995 recognising the contribution of the Scout Movement to youth development and nation building across the continent.
Following the opening ceremony, the celebrations continue from 13 to 15 March at Arrowe Park Scout Camp in Benoni, where Scouts from across South Africa and visiting representatives from other African countries will participate in cultural exchanges, skills activities and leadership programmes.
As the Movement approaches its 120th year in South Africa, the Africa Scout Day celebrations serve as a reminder of Scouting’s enduring mission: empowering young people with the values, skills and confidence needed to build stronger communities and a brighter future for Africa.
Photos: Nicholas Huisman Photography