Scout leaders receive awards on Founder’s Day
All former scouts from the group are are invited to an anniversary event in July.
Every year on February 22, Scouting around the world celebrates the birth of the movement’s founder, Lord Robert Baden-Powell, and this year was no different.
This day is known worldwide as Founder’s Day, also known as World Scout Day. It is a day for Scouts and Guides to renew their promises and reflect on how the century-old values of Scouting still resonate in the fast and ever-changing modern world.
The day is also significant since it marks the anniversary of the birth of his wife, Olave Baden-Powell, the World Chief Guide.
Baden-Powell’s words of wisdom have moulded the Scout Movement in the world for over 100 years, which is why Scouts celebrate his life on Founder’s Day.
Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell was born on February 22, 1857, and died on January 8, 1941.
He worked tirelessly to support the World Scout Movement. The East Rand District of Scouts South Africa commemorated the day on February 25.
“We had a parade and award ceremony. Nine Unified Scout Group leaders were amongst the recipients of the long service awards and medals, with two being awarded their warrants as development officers,” explained Tebogo Rakgabyane, Scout group leader.
• Phumzile Kubheka: five years long service award
• Tshepo Dube: five years long service award
• Fumani Mahlangu: 10 years long service award
• Rev Lindiwe Mdhluli: 10 years long service award
• Angelinah Mochekela: 10 years long service award
• Molefe Shongwe: 15 years long service medal
• Refiloe Toka: 15 years long service medal and 20 years bar for a long service medal
• Rev Tshepo Hlaele: 15 years long service medal and 20 years bar to long service medal
• Nokuthula Howard: 20 years bar to long service medal and warrant as a development officer.
• Thokozani Mkhatshwo: warrant as development officer
• Nosisi “Mam. Vala” Plaatjie: 15 years long service medal and 20 + 30 years bar to long service medal.
“Fumani Mahlangu became the first one in the history of the group to be bestowed with a regional Commissioner’s Commendation, for his gallantry during the award ceremony,” said Rakgabyane.
“Our Rover Crew also qualified for the Gold Star award level for 2023, while under the chairmanship of Mahlangu.
“Unified Scout Group continues to support and recognise the efforts of its adult leaders, as they work tirelessly in ensuring the growth and development of its youth members.
“We thank our Parent Support (Scout) Association (PSA), the residence of Wauchope and Lesia streets, the Kwa-Thema Creche, and the community of Kwa-Thema for the support they continue to give to Unified Scout Group as we advance our youth, and we hope to see many more years to come as we build our future leadership, the youth.”
The group celebrated its 42nd anniversary on February 3. They are planning a reunion and anniversary celebration on July 6.
All former Scouts, Scouters and commissioners who have been a part of the group are invited to the event.
Unified Scout Group meets on Saturdays from 11:00 to 13:00 at I-MAC Scout Centre, 9936 Wauchope Street (corner Lesia Street) in Kwa-Thema.
They accept members from five to 30 years old:
• Meerkats: aged five and six
• Cubs: seven to 10
• Scouts: 11 to 17
• Rover Scouts: 18 to 30
Adult leaders aged 18 and above are welcome to join as adult Scout leaders.
For more information, contact Thabo Radebe on 074 033 3210 or the group PRO Gugu ‘Googles’ Sibande on 084 685 731.
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