We received queries on what the process is to open a bank account for Registered SSA Scout Groups. After liaising with RTC’s and Scout Group Leaders in two Regions, as well as a representative from one of our country’s leading banks, we put together this infographic for your convenience. *The infographic is also aligned to SCOUTS South Africa’s Policies and Procedures.
Download and print the PDF here: How to open a Scout Group Bank Account
It’s a Jungle out there! How much do you know about staying safe online? 🤔 Are you prepared to protect yourself & others on social media? ⚜️
Safe from harm in essence is about creating a safe environment for everyone in Scouting.
World Scouting developed a toolkit that enables adults and young people to Scout together safely and build healthy environments that the encourage trust, growth, personal development and learning while have fun.
The toolkit gives guidelines that show adult volunteers how to keep young people safe and what young people can do to keep themselves and their peers and leaders safe. It includes hands-on workshops, resources, and printing materials that Scouters can incorporate in their weekly programmes. Find it here
Today on the International Day of the Boy Child we are giving you a mission – should you choose to accept it!
Ensure the safety of all children AND Take a stand against bullying!
As an organisation SCOUTS South Africa takes great care to ensure that children and young members are kept safe. Make sure you are informed and that your members, Scouters, and parents know it too!
You still have time to join us in making every stride count in the Comrades Marathon! 🏃♂️🏃♀️ We invite you to turn your passion for running into a powerful force for good! 🌟
This year, as you conquer the challenging miles of the Comrades Marathon, why not channel that energy into supporting a cause close to our hearts – SCOUTS SA? 🦸♂️🌍
Creating a fundraiser on GivenGain is a fantastic way to amplify your impact. By rallying friends, family, and fellow runners to donate, you’re not just running for personal achievement, but also for the betterment of our communities.
Together, we can turn every stride into a step towards positive change. Let’s lace up, hit the pavement, and make a real difference in the lives of young people across South Africa! 🌟👟
16-year-old Mokgadi Maeko joined the 1st Riversands DSD Scout Group in 2022. The Scout Group, that serves the densely populated township of Diepsloot, is one the Scout Groups funded through a partnership between the Gauteng Department of Social Development and the Gauteng Region of SCOUTS South Africa.
To mark the International Day of the Boy Child we sat down with Mokgadi to find out how being in Scouting through the DSD partnership has impacted his life, an that of his peers and his family.
“When I was in Grade 8 my friends and I were approached to join Scouting. We didn’t know what it was all about, but I am happy that I joined as it has changed me as a person and has given me a better life. Before I joined Scouting, I was very disrespectful, not disciplined and would not do chores at home. I would look for entertainment in the wrong places, like many of my non-Scouting friends still do today. I have changed. I am a happy and better person”, he says softly.
Since joining the 1st Riversands DSD Scout Group Mokgadi has been able to embrace his adventurous spirit, while learning how to lead, how to communicate and how to live his life according to a solid value system. “I have done hikes and a swimming gala with Scouts from the Sandton District, as well as bigger Scouting events such as the Gauteng Jaborally. I really enjoyed being part of the fourth Patrol at the Jamborally”, continues Mokgadi. “I learned how to paddle board, abseil, did a whole lot of air Scouting activities and even 4 x 4! It was nice to be in a Patrol as you learn skills from your friends in the group. It’s not difficult to ask them to show you something or for you to teach someone how to do something in your Patrol. You also get to make friends from other Groups and learn about their lives and Scouting experiences.”
The Scout Patrol system is a leadership development method unique to Scouting. It empowers young people to lead a group of peers in developing practical life skills and self-confidence in a safe space of positive peer to peer learning. “I am a Patrol Leader in my Scout Troop, and this opportunity has taught me how to communicate, how to ask questions and explain things to others. I also learned how to avoid problems, how to plan and how to come up solutions for problems”, he says with a smile. “When we joined the Troop, we would do what we needed and then stop doing it again. Now we do things again to help others and not only because we have to do it for ourselves. We learn to work hard! One of my favourite activities is to tie knots. I never thought I would become a person that would be able to do things with the knots like I can now.”
1st Riversands Troop Scouter Peter Ngobeni, who also joined the Scout Movement in 2022, has observed first-hand how the DSD Scout programme has impacted Mokgadi’s life. “I don’t know where to begin to describe how different Mokgadi is now to who he was when he started. He was very shy and didn’t help out at home at all. Now, he is shining! We made him a Patrol Leader because he is a full Scout! He protects and unites his Patrol and the Troop. He makes things happen! Even at homes, he now helps with chores and can handle anything that comes his way!”
When asked what advice he has for his peers who are still engaging in unhealthy activities, his response was clear: “Join Scouting and you will see your life change. You will become a special person. I can see that I do things differently now. I dream of being a lawyer and I know if I continue with Scouting through the DSD programme, my life will stay on track.”
Scouting is an adventure like no other! The outdoor is our playground. Fun, challenging and diverse programmes are our tools to grow and develop into the best versions of ourselves!
To make sure that our Meerkats, Cubs, Scouts, Rovers, and volunteers can live the Scouting adventure safely, a Safe Scouting Policy and procedure is in place.
Share the infographic with your members or print it and hang it in your Scout Hall. Find it here.
Everyone plays a role in keeping our children, our youth, our young adults and all our volunteers Safe from Harm. It’s a team effort! Know what to do to keep Scouting children, youth and volunteers safe:
We all need to know our policies to give our members an amazing and safe Scouting experience!
As a Youth Movement we have a responsibility towards all our members to ensure that we create a safe spaces where Scouting and personal growth can take place.
To ensure these safe places, we put together a plan called SCOUTS South Africa’s Safe from Harm Framework. It includes pro-active measures. clear policies, and guidelines on how to react promptly and efficiently in a situation that would affect the development, wellbeing, and safety of our children, youth, and volunteers.
To find out what we mean when we say “Safe From Harm”, watch this short video!
Safe from Harm lets us make Mental Health for all, a reality…