“Before I joined Scouting, I was a person who was stereotypic and judgemental. I thought Scouting was only about camping, having to wear “doeks” and always having to obey orders as if it was some sort of military. However, since I joined SCOUTS South Africa, I am no longer the person I was before, I always want to learn and understand something before making any decisions.”

In December 2019 Mpho Mofokeng, or “Phoka” as he is now known in Scouting, was introduced to the Scout Movement at the 1^st QwaQwa Scout Troop in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District by the late District Commissioner Abraham “Outata” Mofokeng. “I was studying LLB and wanted to help people who cannot afford attorneys, however in 2019 I had to drop out as I was unable to pay my intuition fees. Early 2020, my friend Refiloe Ramokoma – who was already a Scout – invited me to a Troop celebration of Scout Founder Baden-Powell (BP). I started to ask questions and I realised that I could still help people by steering children into a right direction as a member of SCOUTS South Africa. After that, I started attending the meetings and became an official member.

Now, I understand that Scouting is based on developing oneself physically, mentally and spiritually using various techniques especially outdoor activities, and the most important concept of all, learn while having fun! Also, before joining Scouting I didn’t understand the LGBTQ+ community, but now I am comfortable around everyone and enjoy spending time with our leader at 1^st Qwa-Qwa who is from the LGBTQ+ community. Scouting has also helped me with decision making. There are times where everything seems to work against me and Scouting has helped me to hang in there and not give up. I learned not to settle for the worst or think of revenge, while I can achieve the best and remember that peace is forever lasting. I also learned to share, no matter how small or big the item in question is. As long as there is a brother or sister Scouter or someone else who needs them as much as you do, one must share. God blesses the hand that gives more than one that receives.

I’ve had many adventures, but my first District Camp in Bethlehem stands out for me. There was this guy who was doing almost everything; from the flag ceremony, to facilitating sessions, to preparing food. I started to tail him and learned as much as I could grasp from him. I earned a friend, a teacher and a brother in Scouting! I am grateful to my friend and Regional Youth Representative Katleho Mokoena. Our Scouting activities contain both theory and practical parts. As I was studying towards LLB, the theoretical part and facilitating was never a problem, but the challenge was the practical activities such as camping, pioneering and hiking. I never dreamed of sleeping in a tent as I am claustrophobic or sleeping outside at night and relying on the moon and a torch for light. Hiking was also new. Walking many kilometres with your camping kit on your back whether it’s sunny, raining or cold was never on my list! But pioneering was a real challenge. I never wanted to work hard and put in some muscles. I would rather use my mind as I didn’t like hard labour at all. Now, those three parts of Scouting are my favourite! I can now proudly say I am the best in pioneering here, and as for hiking … as long as I have my water I can push to the desired kilometres! Of all the skills I learned, the most important ones are the very basics of Scouting – the Scout Promise and Law. They are the fundamental principles of our everyday lives, especially Scout Law number 1 “A Scout’s honour is to be trusted”. In order to be trusted and respected one must be honest with oneself. and become honest with everyone else, and that honesty will be honoured. Everything in the world has its own laws and regulations, and failure to comply with those will have undesired consequences. Therefore, the Scout Promise is my daily prayer, a vow, a pledge, and a responsibility that I take each and every day before leaving my house. Each day has its challenges and achievements and is a blessing for one to rectify and be better that the person they were yesterday.”

Mpho is also a Rover. “To be a Rover is not only earning awards and bars. Being a Rover is realising that one is no longer a minor, but a young adult. Now, for every action or non-action, there is re-action and consequences. Rovering also helps you when you finish high school as finishing school is one good thing, but the problem arises when one lacks knowledge or skills for life outside of school. Rovering helps you gain skills such as CV drafting, budget management, entrepreneurship and event planning. These skills can help a person generate an income if that person knows how to execute them correctly. Using these skills could even help them pay for tuition fees so they don’t face the same challenges I did. Therefore, when coming out of school, Rovering is the way! Also, as a Rover, you are seen by the community and Meerkats, Cubs and Scouts as a role model. I wear my epaulettes with pride as it’s on my shoulders to produce goodness out my actions as everyone is looking at me as their role model. As mentioned, I really enjoy hiking. In the Thabo Mofutsanyana District, there are so many hiking trails, and we explore the Drakensburg mountain range with its highest peak at Qwa-Qwa at lot.

Being a Rover is realising that one is no longer a minor, but a young adult.

As the newly appointed SGL for the 1^st QwaQwa Group Mpho is enjoying being an adult volunteer! “Being a volunteer is fun as you get to meet new people almost each and every day, so you interact, learn and exchanges ideas. If one is passionate enough and wants to be the best version of themselves, they should consider volunteering. As a volunteer one gets to acquire skills and knowledge most of the time for free and be recognised forever for your efforts and commitment. I know that young people tend to have a low self-esteem when it comes to leadership roles because of the people who were in those roles before them. SSA has some of the best leaders, and when that particular person leaves the office, young people tend to be scared to occupy that office because of the person who was in it. However, I always say, remember the Scouts Promise, “…I promise to do my best…”, and live by it. Furthermore, if one is not coping or lacks training, SCOUTS South Africa has support structures and all you have to do is open up and ask. I myself still have a mentor who still shows me the ropes even today.

I believe in change, diversity, evolution and growth. Young people nowadays lack motivation and role models that are in the same age group as them. As a young person probably exposed to most things that the young generation is facing, I am proud to say Scouting saved me and opened doors for me. It enhanced my capabilities and allowed me to be a role model on someone’s life so that they can be motivated to be the best version of themselves. I cannot live without being a Scout! I love the feeling of wearing the uniform and my scarf, of being around the greatness of people who have walked this journey before me, and of being around people who see potential and value in me. Scouting is not only about those Saturday Troop meetings or the Crew meeting, or even the camps we host or the hikes we take. To me Scouting is a lifestyle! I don’t know my talents at this age, Scouting is all that I know. Therefore, I am going to put my 100% effort in always, for the sake of the generation coming after me.