Scouting in Nkomazi helps change children’s lives
Scouting troops across Nkomazi are equipping children with a variety of skills, giving them a family and keep them positive despite difficult circumstances.
KAMHLUSHWA – “It takes real courage to attempt to do something different, but when you achieve it, the disappointments along the way become worth it,” said Vuyo Mthimkhulu, a scout of Scouts South Africa (SSA) Mpumalanga.
Scouting is an outdoor organisation for children aged seven to 17, and adults from 18 to 30, which aims to inspire young leaders to take up roles in their communities.
According to SSA, which is part of the World Organisation for Scouts Movement, there are over 308 000 scouts nationwide.
Unlike formal education, scouting encourages a more direct method of educating and inspiring young minds. It does this through programmes and activities such as creative crafts, community projects and adventure activities, such as camping, survival training and first aid.
“I am proud to be part of an organisation that teaches young people to learn by doing,” Bongani Makhubela said.
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In Nkomazi, scouting has not only inspired, but also changed and touched lives.
According to Joseph Chauke of the 1st Sidlamafa troop in KaMhlushwa, scouting goes beyond just a youth organisation. “Scouting is family,” he said, “because scouts can always be counted on to be there for you whenever you need them.”
Scouting not only equips the youth with the necessary skills to survive dangerous conditions in their communities, but also encourages scouts to be good and responsible citizens.
“We train them to be emotionally, physically and spiritually responsible,” explained Sizwe Mdluli, who leads the 1st Mhlaba troop, one of the oldest troops in Nkomazi. This is done through learning by doing.
Young people are also taught to honour and respect the Scout promise and laws as written by its founder, Lord Baden Powell, in 1907.
“A scout is someone you can trust with your life,” remarked Charity Khoza of the 1st Concluvasia troop in Boschfontein. “Because as Scouts we always follow our promise and laws.”
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The Scout promise is: “On my honour, I promise that I will do my best, to do my duty to God and my country. To help other people at all times and to obey the Scout laws. Scout laws include being honourable, loyal, useful and helpful to others, courteous, kind to animals, thrifty and clean in thought, word and deed.”
Scouting continues to inspire and motivate young people through the awarding of badges that scouts throughout the world display on their uniforms. By doing so, these kids are encouraged to improve and develop to their highest ability. The highest badge in Scouts South Africa is the Springbok badge.
More than a century after scouting was founded, it continues to improve the lives of young people.
Scouting is one of the best places for youths to learn responsibility, teamwork and determination and to help groom Nkomazi’s future leaders.
To find out more about scouting or to join a troop, contact regional manager, Sharon Mkhonto on 076-411-8756 or mpumalanga@scouting.org.za or visit scouts.org.za.
