Girl Scouts today, leaders tomorrow

Girl Guides South Africa has empowered girls and women to reach their full potential through a dynamic programme enabling them to become more responsible citizens.

This is a movement that gives girls the confidence, skills, and aspirations to advocate for change. Zimasa Gqibani, Joan Lester and Kathy Slade who have been ranger leaders for many years, make their mission to uphold these standards and continue the legacy with their rangers, brownies, and the new addition of teddies.

After a hectic schedule, the girls and the leaders have finally found a place to meet up where it is convenient for both rangers and leaders to do all their activities and invite more girls. On February 17, the leaders, rangers, brownies, and teddies met at Florida Park High School.

“It is the first time the rangers all come together and meet since it is difficult for all the girls to meet up on weekdays when they have school and our leaders have to go to work,” Zimasa Gqibani, their ranger leader said.

She added how meeting at the school allows the girls to bond since they see more of one another and encourages more girls to join them.

“We are still teaching them their promise and duties,” she concluded.

Regular meetings with the rangers take place where they take part in fun activities, play games, and earn skill-builder badges, all while being supported by their guides and leaders.

“It feels good having been a new ranger, I can make new friends and I get to experience this with my best friend. We are learning a lot even after only recently joining this month,” Tshireletso Mfuphi and Naledi Aphane – who are best friends and have recently joined the rangers – said.

The rangers were trained by Nokthula Naseem Mahlangu, who has been a girl guide for nine years. She is what is described as a born leader to her ranger leaders.

“I started as a ranger myself and now being a leader, the experience has been fascinating with ample opportunities for me to go on adventures such as canoeing, being on a plane for the first time and sailing. I’m more open-minded to opening more units in Mogale City and bringing back guides and leaders who have retired and can teach our young girls their duties and responsibilities,” she added.

For the leaders, building well-rounded young girls who can advocate for their responsibilities and stand up for themselves. On February 25, the girls will have their thinking day and continue to meet on weekends at Florida Park High School.