Message from Jonathan Pienaar, National Young Leaders Representative
Dear Scouts, Rovers and Young Adult Volunteers.
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto uprising. A historic event that helped shape the democracy we know today. This event marked a turning point where the youth took action. Their action made a difference for us today. 2026 has been declared the year of action for South African youth. On this Youth Day, let us honour the legacy of those who fought for our freedom and continue their work by taking action and making a difference in our communities.
The courage of the youth of 1976 reminds us that meaningful change has always been driven by young people who chose to act. In a world where youth face uncertainty, Scouting provides something powerful: an opportunity to be the change. The youth of 1976 took action because they believed they could be the difference. Whether it’s your Patrol preserving a local park, your Rover Crew assisting with flood relief or an Adult Leader mentoring younger members through the Advancement Programme, Scouting offers the opportunity for youth to be the action our country needs.
My challenge to you all is to continue the work done by the youth in 1976. You have the opportunity to make a difference to your community. We may not always be able to have an impact on a national scale, but all our small actions add up. Just think, if every member of our Movement dedicated just one hour to community service, we would collectively contribute more than 30 000 hours of action – the equivalent of almost four years of continuous service!
I also want to say thank you for all the effort you have put into making your communities a better place. It is so encouraging to see the extent that the youth are getting involved within SCOUTS SA at all levels. I want to remind you that the Scout Movement is for you – the youth. Keep up the hard work and dedication that ensures young people, including yourselves, are truly “Ready for Life”.
50 years ago, the youth carried the torch of change and transformed our country. Today, that torch has been passed to us. The future of South Africa will be shaped by the actions we take in our communities today. As we look towards the next 50 years, let us continue to lead by example and demonstrate active citizenship, showing young people are capable of making meaningful contributions to society.