History of Scouting in South Africa

Today Scouting is one of the world's largest youth movements. It began in 1907 with the vision of Robert Baden-Powell, known as B-P, and soon spread to South Africa and throughout the world. B-P was determined to promote a culture of peace by training the youth in critical life skills to build a better world.

Scouting spread very rapidly in South Africa, initially along separate racial lines, but by the 1970s, long before the end of apartheid, the separate associations were united into one integrated association, one of the first youth organisations in South Africa to do so. In 2000, Scouting in South Africa was opened to girls. A fourth branch was added in 2019, the Meerkat programme, catering to children ages 5 and 6.

Through its unique combination of adventure, education and fun, the Scouting programme manages to continuously renew and adapt itself to the changing world. The Scout movement continues to bring people together by creating a common ground for good. It continues to be inspirational for young people to become active local and global citizens, helping them to become the best version of themselves, in order to Be Prepared and to Create a Better World.

Resources:
www.scout.org/scout-history
scoutwiki.scouts.org.za/wiki/Category:History_and_Heritage

With thanks:
Professor Brian Figaji
Mr Stuart Ravenscroft
Mr Winston Adams