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((Short description|National Scout association in South Africa))
((EngvarB|date=May 2013))
((Use dmy dates|date=November 2022))
((Infobox WorldScouting
|image = South African Scout Association.svg
|caption =
|name = Scouts South Africa
|headquarters = [[Cape Town]]
|country = [[South Africa]]
|f-date = 1908
|members = ((plainlist|
*Children & Youth: 308,000
*Adult Volunteers: 6,000
*Total: 314,000<ref name=ssa-annualreport20162017>((cite web|title=SCOUTS South Africa Annual Report 2016-2017|url=https://www.scouts.org.za/wp-content/uploads/SCOUTS-South-Africa-Annual-Report-2016-2017.pdf|publisher=SCOUTS South Africa|access-date=2018-05-17|archive-date=18 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518055318/https://www.scouts.org.za/wp-content/uploads/SCOUTS-South-Africa-Annual-Report-2016-2017.pdf|url-status=live))</ref>))<ref>https://showme.co.za/nelspruit/news/newly-inaugurated-chief-scout-sibusiso-vilane/</ref>
|chiefscouttitle=Chief Scout
|chiefscout = Khonzaphi Mdaka
|website=((URL|http://www.scouts.org.za/))

|skintone      = m
|pattern_head  = barehead
|color_head    = D2B48C
|pattern_body  = shirt long sleeves
|color_body    = D2B48C
|pattern_legs  = trousers
|color_legs    = 000000



))

'''Scouts South Africa''' is the [[World Organization of the Scout Movement]] (WOSM) recognised [[Scouting|Scout]] association in South Africa. Scouting began in the United Kingdom in 1907 through the efforts of [[Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell|Robert Baden-Powell]] and rapidly spread to South Africa, with the first Scout troops appearing in 1908. South Africa has contributed many traditions and symbols to World Scouting.

Scouts South Africa caters for youth and young adults from the ages of 5 through 30. It is split into four sections – Meerkats, Cubs, Scouts, and Rovers – with each section serving a different age group and concentrating on different areas of personal development. It is also one of the largest youth organisations in the rural parts of South Africa and performs many community upliftment programmes in those areas.

The highest award attainable by a Scout in South Africa is the Springbok award. A Scout is required to complete all the requirements for the Springbok award before their 18th birthday.

Scouts South Africa was one of the first youth organisations to open its doors to [[Youth in South Africa|youth]] and adults of all races in South Africa. This happened on 2 July 1977 at a conference known as ''Quo Vadis''.<ref name="scouthistorypage">((cite web|year=2006|url=http://www.scouting.org.za/visitors/history.html|title=History of Scouting in South Africa|publisher=South African Scout Association|access-date=30 November 2006|archive-date=1 January 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070101060338/http://www.scouting.org.za/visitors/history.html|url-status=dead))</ref>

==Aims and principles==
The aim of Scouts South Africa is to contribute to the development of boys, girls and young adults in achieving their full potentials as individuals, as responsible members of their local, national, and international communities by developing their character, training them in citizenship and developing their spiritual, social, mental, and physical qualities.<ref name="or2017"/>

Scouts South Africa is based on the principles of duty to God, duty to others, and duty to self. These three principles govern the entire advancement programme and teach the Scout to be loyal to the religion that expresses them, to be loyal to the country in which they reside and to be responsible in their own development.<ref name="or2017"/>

==History==
[[File:South African Scout Association Springbok skin woggle.png|thumb|Springbok skin [[woggle]] worn by South African Scouts attending World Jamborees]]
Organized Scouting spread to South Africa only a few months after its birth in [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|Britain]] in 1907. In 1908, several troops formed in [[Cape Town]], [[KwaZulu-Natal Province|Natal]], and [[Johannesburg]] and the following year saw the first official registration of South African troops.

Scouting in South Africa grew rapidly, and in 1912 [[Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell|Robert Baden-Powell]] visited South African Scouts. Due to the rapid spread of Scouting it became necessary to provide some form of local co-ordination. ''Provincial Councils'' were formed in South Africa between 1912 and 1916. These councils had no direct contact with each other and reported directly to Imperial Scout Headquarters in London.

The first ''Union Scout Council'' was formed in 1922 to provide a common national control on an advisory basis. Six years later, in 1928, the Union Scout Council adopted a constitution which enabled it to perform the functions of Imperial Scout Headquarters.<ref name="introadult">((cite book| year=1995|title=Introduction to Adult Leadership | publisher = Scouts South Africa|location = Cape Town))</ref>

Scouting in South Africa, as in most British Colonies (such as [[The Boy Scouts Association of Zimbabwe#Scouting in Rhodesia|Rhodesia]]), was originally [[Racial segregation|segregated]] by race. This did not prevent black Scout groups from forming, and in the 1920s, black Scouts were given the name ''Klipspringers'' (a type of small [[antelope]]).<ref name="historypage">((cite web | year = 2006| url = http://www.scouting.org.za/visitors/history.html | title = History of Scouting in South Africa | publisher = Scouts South Africa | archive-date=24 September 2006| access-date = 2006-11-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060924175920/http://www.scouting.org.za/visitors/history.html))</ref> The ''Pathfinder Council'' was formed in 1929.

In 1930, the Imperial Scout Headquarters granted the complete independence of the Scout Movement in South Africa. Work started on yet another constitution which was finalised in 1936 at Bloemfontein during the visit of Baden-Powell. During 1937, the ''Boy Scouts Association of South Africa'' became a member of the International Scout Conference (now [[World Scout Conference]]) and was registered with the International Bureau (now [[World Scout Bureau]]) on 1 December 1937. South Africa was the first of the [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] countries to achieve independence for its Scout Movement.<ref name="1957history">((cite book| last = Boy Scouts of South Africa| year = 1957| title = The History of Scouting in South Africa | publisher = Boy Scouts of South Africa | page=96))</ref>

The now independent association maintained the racial segregation with four separate associations. After consultation with Baden-Powell, four separate Scouting organisations were created in 1936. These were The Boy Scouts Association (for whites), The African Boy Scouts Association (for blacks), The Coloured Boy Scouts Association (for [[coloured]]s) and The Indian Boy Scouts Association (for Indians).<ref name="historypage"/> A revision of the 1936 constitution in 1953 even strengthened the whites-only branch: its Chief Scout was now Chief Scout of the three other associations, with each association providing a Chief Scout's Commissioner as executive head under the Chief Scout.<ref name="What is Scouting">((cite book |last=Heale |first=Jay |title=What is Scouting? A guide to the aims, history, principles, and methods of the South African Scout Association |url=http://www.scouting.org.za/library/whatisscouting/WhatIsScouting.pdf |publisher=Scouts South Africa |year=2003 |isbn=0-947005-38-2 |access-date=2007-01-13 |archive-date=5 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205104818/http://www.scouting.org.za/library/whatisscouting/WhatIsScouting.pdf |url-status=dead ))</ref>

With the rise of [[Afrikaner]] nationalism in South Africa during the early part of the 20th century, Scouting was viewed with suspicion by many Afrikaners because of its English roots, and rival Afrikaans organisations including the [[Voortrekkers (youth organization)|Voortrekkers]] were established. These had a strong social and political aim. Negotiations about an amalgamation of both movements in the years 1930 to 1936 were not successful.<ref name="What is Scouting"/>

In the 1970s, the [[Nordic countries]] placed pressure on the [[World Organization of the Scout Movement]] (WOSM) to expel the South African Movement for its racial policies. South African Scouting responded to this by combining all branches of the Movement into a single ''Boy Scouts of South Africa'' organisation at a conference known as ''Quo Vadis'' that was held on 2 July 1977.<ref name="historypage" />

Although [[apartheid]] laws forbade several forms of multiracial association, the South African government failed to take any action against the Movement on racial grounds.<ref name="inglis">((cite journal| last = Inglis | first = Colin |date=May 1994| title = Scouting in South Africa | journal = Australian Scout ))</ref>

[[File:Transkei Scout Association.svg|left|thumb|140px|Badge for Transkei Scouts during apartheid]]
Scouting was active during the period in several of the [[Bantustan|homelands]], [[Transkei]] issuing Scout insignia and several including [[Bophuthatswana]] (the homeland where [[Mafikeng]] is located) issuing Scout-themed postage stamps.<ref name="sossi">((cite web | year = 1999 | url = http://www.sossi.org/postmark/firstcancels1099.doc | type = ((DOClink|393KB)) | title = First Scout Postal Cancels by Country | publisher = Scouts on Stamps Society International | access-date = 2006-11-17 | archive-date = 11 October 2006 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061011195018/http://www.sossi.org/postmark/firstcancels1099.doc | url-status = live ))</ref><ref name="sossi-mafeking">((cite web | url = http://www.sossi.org/woodbadge/wb2.htm | title = Gilwell Reunion | publisher = Scouts on Stamps Society International | access-date = 2006-11-17 | archive-date = 11 October 2006 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061011201129/http://www.sossi.org/woodbadge/wb2.htm | url-status = live ))</ref>

On 10 July 1995, ''The Boy Scouts of South Africa'' adopted a new constitution and changed its name to the ''South African Scout Association'',<ref name="constitution">((cite web| year = 2003| url = http://www.scouting.org.za/sasa/constitution.html| title = Constitution of the South African Scout Association| publisher = Scouts South Africa| access-date = 2006-11-16| archive-date = 22 August 2006| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060822125313/http://www.scouting.org.za/sasa/constitution.html| url-status = live))</ref> and also began accepting girls into its ranks. By 1999 girls were allowed in all sections. In 2008 the name changed to ''Scouts South Africa''.

===South African influences on World Scouting traditions===
South Africa has long been associated with the origins of Scouting. Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the movement, spent most of the years from 1884 to 1905 as a soldier in Southern Africa. South Africa's most prominent role in the origin of Scouting was the [[siege of Mafeking]] in 1899–1900.<ref name="historypage" /> Baden-Powell successfully lead the defense of the town for 217&nbsp;days. During the siege, he was inspired by the boys of the [[Mafeking Cadet Corps]], and later used them as an example of bravery in the first chapter of his handbook ''[[Scouting for Boys]]''. The Mafeking Cadets are not regarded as the first Boy Scouts, as Scouting was only born later, in 1907 at [[Brownsea Island Scout camp|Brownsea Island]] in Britain. However, it was Mafeking that resulted in Baden-Powell becoming a national hero in Britain, and it was his fame that enabled his Scout movement to catch on so rapidly.<ref name="NPG">((cite web | url=http://www.npg.org.uk/live/wobaden.asp | archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20080911032611/http://www.npg.org.uk/live/wobaden.asp | url-status=dead | archive-date=2008-09-11 | title = Robert Baden-Powell: Defender of Mafeking and Founder of the Boy Scouts and the Girl Guides | work = Past Exhibition Archive | publisher = [[National Portrait Gallery (United Kingdom)|National Portrait Gallery]] | access-date = 2008-12-11))</ref>

[[File:Dinizulu.jpg|thumb|Photo of King [[Dinizulu]] wearing the necklace from which the original Wood Badge beads came]]

The [[Wood Badge]], worn by adult Scout leaders, is a replica of beads from the necklace that was once worn by King [[Dinizulu]] of the [[Zulu people|Zulus]]. The original necklace was captured from Dinizulu by Baden-Powell.<ref name="wb">((cite web | year = 2003 | url = http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/facts/pdfs/fs145001.pdf | title = The Origins of the Wood Badge | publisher = The Scout Association | access-date = 2006-11-16 | archive-date = 21 September 2004 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20040921013907/http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/facts/pdfs/fs145001.pdf | url-status = live ))</ref> Other Zulu traditions and chants also featured in Scouting for Boys.

While serving in Southern Africa, Baden-Powell learnt many the skills that would become standard scouting skills. [[Jan Grootboom]], a [[Xhosa people|Xhosa]] from South Africa, was a military scout who Baden-Powell praised for his scouting ability in the [[Second Matabele War|Matabele Campaign]].<ref name="matebele">((cite book| last = Baden-Powell| first = Sir Robert| author-link = Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell| year = 1915| title = My Adventures as a Spy| publisher = BiblioBazaar| isbn = 978-1-4346-0493-4| url = http://www.pinetreeweb.com/bp-adventure01.htm| page = 96| access-date = 16 November 2006| archive-date = 15 November 2006| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061115014426/http://www.pinetreeweb.com/bp-adventure01.htm| url-status = dead))</ref> Baden-Powell also learnt scouting skills from [[Frederick Russell Burnham]], an American explorer, adventurer, and mercenary, who went on to become a highly decorated Major and Chief of Scouts under [[Frederick Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts|Lord Roberts]] during the [[Second Boer War]].<ref name="twoContinents">((cite book|last=Burnham|first=Major Frederick Russell|author-link=Frederick Russell Burnham|year=1926|title=Scouting on Two Continents | publisher = Kessinger Publishing | location = London | isbn=978-1-4179-2318-2 | page = 400))</ref><ref name="hillcourt">((cite book|last=Hillcourt|first=William|author-link=William Hillcourt| year=1964|title=Baden-Powell: The Two Lives of a Hero | publisher = Heinemann | location = London | isbn=978-0-9634320-0-1 | page = 358))</ref>

The earliest Scout uniform was based on the uniform that Robert Baden-Powell designed for the South African Constabulary, a paramilitary force established to police the conquered Boer republics following the Anglo-Boer War.<ref name="hillcourt" /> The current South African Scout uniform is in fact still based on the uniform worn by the South African Constabulary.

Baden-Powell said of South Africa in 1926 that:

((cquote|...none of the fellows in other countries know that the (Scout) flag (a golden [[fleur-de-lis]] on a green background) was started in South Africa. As you know the colours are those of the [[South African Republic|Transvaal]] and the [[Orange Free State]]. But those were also the colours of the South African Constabulary...and when I took to being a Scout, I took the colours with me. A good deal of our Scouting started in South Africa.<ref name="1957history" />))

==Influence in South Africa==
Scouts South Africa teaches young people the importance of high morals. Former South African President and patron of Scouts South Africa, [[Nelson Mandela]], said the following of the Scout Movement:

((cquote|The international Scout movement is a world leader in youth education, and has particular relevance to the needs of youth in Africa and the emerging democracies around the globe.
I am pleased with the progress of Scouting in South Africa, and in the steps which are now being taken to make the programme accessible to more young people. The importance of a high moral code, which is at the foundation of the Scout movement, cannot be stressed too highly.<ref name="sasa">((cite web | url = http://www.scouting.org.za/sasa/ | title = SCOUTS South Africa | work = Home Page | publisher = Scouts South Africa | access-date = 2006-11-17 | archive-date = 23 March 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160323023944/http://scouting.org.za/sasa/ | url-status = live ))</ref><ref>((cite web| year = 2013| url = https://www.scouts.org.za/2013/12/06/madiba-african-elephant/| title = Madiba our African Elephant| publisher = SCOUTS South Africa| access-date = 2020-07-20| archive-date = 22 August 2018| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180822225425/https://www.scouts.org.za/2013/12/06/madiba-african-elephant/| url-status = live))</ref>))

In 2013, various Troops in the Western Cape Region took part in the first ever Mandela Day Community Service Project on Robben Island, where former Patron Nelson Mandela was jailed for 18 of 27 years in prison. This Mandela Day project was repeated in 2014 and 2017.<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.scouts.org.za/2014/08/02/67-hours-exploration-service-robben-island/|title=67 hours of exploration and service on Robben Island|publisher=SCOUTS South Africa|date=2 August 2014|access-date=14 June 2017|archive-date=24 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924070839/https://www.scouts.org.za/2014/08/02/67-hours-exploration-service-robben-island/|url-status=live))</ref>

[[File:Scouts Mpumalanga-Südafrika.jpg|thumb|The Scouts in the Mpumalanga region in South Africa are co-ordinating projects of the German: "Aktion Tagwerk" and are supported as well by Aktion Tagwerk.]]
Scouts South Africa is actively involved in community work, particularly in the rural areas of South Africa. In some rural areas, such as the greater [[Tzaneen]] area, there are Troops with over 100 Scouts. Rural Troops are often limited in their activities by funding and lack of equipment. Their programme focuses on educating the Scouts in becoming good citizens and in the dangers of HIV. Educating Scouts in HIV and AIDS is vitally important due to the large number of infections in both rural and urban areas of South Africa.<ref name="hiv">((cite web | url = https://www.scouts.org.za/2019/12/01/world-aids-day-2014/ | title = Do your Scouts know the facts of HIV and AIDS? | publisher = SCOUTS South Africa | date = 1 December 2019 | access-date = 2020-07-20 | archive-date = 20 July 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200720232721/https://www.scouts.org.za/2019/12/01/world-aids-day-2014/ | url-status = live ))</ref>

==National organisation==
Scouts South Africa is subdivided into Regions:

* [http://easterncapenorth.scouts.org.za/ Eastern Cape North]  
* [http://easterncapesouth.scouts.org.za/ Eastern Cape South]
* [http://freestate.scouts.org.za/ Free State]
* [http://gauteng.scouts.org.za/ Gauteng]
* [http://kzn.scouts.org.za/ KwaZulu-Natal]
* [http://limpopo.scouts.org.za/ Limpopo]
* [http://mpumalanga.scouts.org.za/ Mpumalanga]
* [http://northwest.scouts.org.za/ North West]
* [http://northerncape.scouts.org.za/ Northern Cape]
* [https://westerncape.scouts.org.za/ Western Cape]. 

Each Province is in turn divided into Districts, and each District consists of a number of Groups. The national head office is in [[Cape Town]].

The Chief Scout is the head of Scouts South Africa, and is therefore the leader of Scouting for all groups within South Africa. The current Chief Scout is Khonzaphi Mdaka, with effect from 1 February 2022, taking over from Dr. Brendon Hausberger.<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.scouts.org.za/2021/11/13/khonzaphi-mdaka-appointed-new-chief-scout-of-south-africa/|title=Khonzaphi Mdaka appointed new Chief Scout of South Africa|date=13 November 2021|publisher=Scouts South Africa|access-date=2022-03-11|archive-date=29 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129181139/https://www.scouts.org.za/2021/11/13/khonzaphi-mdaka-appointed-new-chief-scout-of-south-africa/|url-status=live))</ref> Former President of South Africa [[Nelson Mandela]] was the [[patron]] of Scouts South Africa until 2013.<ref name="chief">((cite web|url=https://www.scouts.org.za/2013/12/06/madiba-african-elephant/|title=Madiba our African Elephant|date=6 December 2013|publisher=Scouts South Africa|access-date=2018-08-22|archive-date=22 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822225425/https://www.scouts.org.za/2013/12/06/madiba-african-elephant/|url-status=live))</ref>

===Group organisation===
A Scout Group consists of one or more units for different age groups: a Meerkat Den, Cub Pack, Scout Troop, and Rover Crew. Large Groups may have more than one of each section, or may have separate units for boys and girls. Rover Crews can also be associated with a District if independent from any one Scout Group within the District.

The Group is led by a ''Scout Group Leader'' (SGL) who acts as the liaison between the parents committee and the adult leaders of the Cub, Scout, and Rover units within the Group. The parents committee is an elected body of parents (with elections being held once a year at the Group AGM) that oversees the financial, maintenance, and legal affairs of the group, supporting the adult Scouters who run the programme for their branches.<ref name="introadult" />

==Meerkat programme==
In 2019, a [[Beavers (Scouting)|Meerkat]] branch was opened for ages 5 to 6.<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.scouts.org.za/2019/10/01/meerkat-branch-launch-message-craig-rens/|title=Stand tall and Do your best!|date=1 October 2019|first=Craig|last=Rens|publisher=Scouts South Africa|access-date=3 October 2019|archive-date=3 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003142740/https://www.scouts.org.za/2019/10/01/meerkat-branch-launch-message-craig-rens/|url-status=live))</ref>

==Cub programme==
The Cub section is open to boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 11, and is intended to lay foundations and teach basic skills for when a Cub becomes a Scout. The Cub programme is based on a system of progressive leadership, with members being given increasing responsibility depending on age as they advance through the Cub Pack. Cubs are divided into small groups called Sixes led by a Sixer and a Second. The Pack Scouter may appoint the most responsible Cub in the Pack as a Senior Sixer.

The head of a Cub Pack is the ''Pack Scouter'' (PS), often nicknamed ''Akela'' after the head wolf in ''[[The Jungle Book]]'' by [[Rudyard Kipling]]. There may be a number of Assistant Pack Scouters, with nicknames from other Jungle Book characters. The Cub Advancement Programme is based on Cubs working towards the Silver Wolf and Gold Wolf badges, each divided into four Challenge Awards: Aptitude, Awareness, Outdoor, and Community; and the Leaping Wolf badge. Cubs proceeding to Scouts complete the Link Badge.<ref name="cub">((cite web|year=2017|url=http://www.scouts.org.za/wp-content/uploads/The-Cub-Trail-2017.pdf|title=The Cub Trail|publisher=SCOUTS South Africa|access-date=2020-07-20|archive-date=24 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724103528/https://www.scouts.org.za/wp-content/uploads/The-Cub-Trail-2017.pdf|url-status=live))</ref>

===Cub Promise===
:I promise to do my best&nbsp;–
:To do my duty to God and my country;
:To keep the Law of the Wolf Cub Pack;
:And to do a good turn to somebody every day.<ref name="values">((cite web |url = http://scouts.org.za/about-us/values/ |title = Our Values |publisher = Scouts South Africa |access-date = 2016-06-22 |archive-date = 22 June 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160622102653/http://scouts.org.za/about-us/values/ |url-status = live ))</ref>

===Cub Law===
:The Cub gives in to the Old Wolf.
:The Cub does not give in to himself / herself.<ref name="values"/>

==Scout programme==
The Scout section is open to boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 18, and aims at developing Scouting and leadership skills.((citation needed|date=July 2020))

Scout Troops are divided into Patrols of between four and ten Scouts, with six being a common size. The Patrol Leader and Second have many responsibilities in training younger Scouts and helping plan and run the programme. Patrol Leaders are in charge of planning and running (often with no adult intervention) Patrol camps and outings, and are also required to assist their Patrol members through the Scout advancement program.<ref name="or2017"/>

Often the most senior and responsible Patrol Leader is appointed as Troop Leader (TL), who no longer runs a Patrol but instead has other responsibilities such as enforcing discipline and running the weekly programme. Since a Troop Leader is not required to plan or run Patrol camps, or help Scouts through the advancement program many senior Scouts who are in their final year of school choose to become Troop Leaders to have more time to concentrate on their studies and on achieving the Springbok award.<ref name="or2017"/>

The adult leader of a Scout Troop is the ''Troop Scouter'' (TS), assisted by Assistant Troop Scouters (ATS) and Junior Assistant Troop Scouters (JATS).<ref name="or2017"/>

===Scout Promise===
: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;
:To obey the Scout Law.<ref name="values"/>

===Scout Law===
:# A Scout's honour is to be trusted
:# A Scout is loyal
:# A Scout's duty is to be useful and to help others.
:# A Scout is a friend to all and a brother / sister to every other Scout
:# A Scout is courteous
:# A Scout is a friend to animals
:# A Scout obeys orders
:# A Scout smiles and whistles under all difficulties
:# A Scout is thrifty
:# A Scout is clean in thought, word and deed<ref name="values"/>

===Advancement badges===
The Scout Advancement Programme is based on a number of advancement badges, culminating in the Springbok Scout badge. Each advancement badge focuses on different levels of development and the programme progresses from basic Scout training, to training young Scouts, and ends with a focus on community service.<ref name="badge">((cite web | url = https://scoutwiki.scouts.org.za/index.php?title=Scout_Interest_Badges | title = Scout Interest Badges | publisher = SCOUTS South Africa | access-date = 2019-07-20 | archive-date = 20 July 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200720115731/https://scoutwiki.scouts.org.za/index.php?title=Scout_Interest_Badges | url-status = live ))</ref>

; '''Troop Membership''' : To be invested as a Scout, the membership requirements for recruits include knowing the basic story behind Scouting, the Scout Promise and Law, some basic Scouting skills, and the [[National anthem of South Africa]].<ref name="Scout Trail">((cite web|url=https://www.scouts.org.za/wp-content/uploads/Scout-Trail-2019-Jan2019F.pdf|title=The Scout Trail|date=January 2019|publisher=SCOUTS South Africa|access-date=2019-07-20|archive-date=20 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720132444/https://www.scouts.org.za/wp-content/uploads/Scout-Trail-2019-Jan2019F.pdf|url-status=live))</ref>

; '''Traveller''' : This advancement badge focuses on basic Scout training, including the six basic knots ([[Reef Knot]], [[Bowline]], [[Sheet bend]], [[Sheepshank]], [[Round turn and two half hitches]], and [[Clove hitch]]), basic first aid (treatment of open wounds and bleeding), and introduces Scouts to camping. The badge encourages a Scout to participate in patrol activities. The Scout is required to have camped away from their normal Scout meeting place for at least three nights.<ref name="Scout Trail"/>

; '''Discoverer''' : This advancement badge introduces the Scout to basic pioneering, including [[Whipping knot|whipping]], basic [[Lashing knot|lashing]], and other advanced knots. The Scout is required to know more advanced forms of first aid (treatment of shock, sprains, and fainting). The Scout needs to help plan, and be second in charge of a patrol hike. Other requirements for the badge include knowledge of HIV/AIDS and knowledge of how a Court of Honour functions.<ref name="Scout Trail"/>

; '''First Class''' : This advancement badge is the first advancement badge that places the Scout in a position of leadership and organisation. A Scout is required to plan and run a wide game for their Patrol, a Patrol camp, an overnight Patrol hike for which a log book must be written, a programme to teach younger Scouts in their Patrol about pioneering, and they need to assist in the planning of a [[Scouts' Own]].
:The Scout also needs to lead their patrol in a community service project of not less than ten&nbsp;hours.<ref name="Scout Trail"/>

[[File:Springbok Award (South African Scout Association).png|thumb|right|Springbok Scout badge]]
; '''Springbok''' : This badge is the top Scout award in South Africa. It concentrates on teaching the Scout how to give back to the community. The Springbok award is the equivalent of the UK's [[King's Scout]] and the American [[Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)|Eagle Scout]]. Among the requirements, the Scout must complete at least 40&nbsp;hours of community service, lead a hike of over 30&nbsp;kilometres (18.6&nbsp;mi) in unfamiliar territory, and plan and construct a pioneering project.<ref name="Scout Trail"/>

==Court of Honour==
The [[Court of Honor (Scouting)|Court of Honour]] is a regular meeting of Patrol Leaders (PLs) and the Troop Scouter, and is responsible for the majority of decisions regarding troop discipline, patrol management, troop programme and other matters. The Troop Scouter is the only adult leader regularly attending these meetings, although the Court of Honour may invite other Scouters to attend. The Troop Scouter has the right to veto decision, but should generally only act in an advisory role, allowing the Scouts themselves to make important decisions.<ref name="or2017"/>

==Air Scouting==

Air Scouting in South Africa is an active part of the program. Since 2005 Air Scouting has expanded, especially in Gauteng, where the first ''Airjamborally'' since the 1980s was held during August 2005. The Gauteng region has 5 of the 8 Air Scout Groups.((citation needed|date=July 2020))

The Air Scout uniform is a sky blue shirt (Short sleeve), Navy blue long pants or shorts, black socks, black shoes, the group scarf and a black beret. Air Scout badges are Advanced Navigation, Air Glider, Air Mechanic, Air Meteorologist, Air Navigator, Air Spotter and Air Traffic Controller. Challenge awards differ from Land and Sea Scouts. Whereas Land Scouts can obtain a Bushman's Thong and Sea Scouts the Bosun's cord, Air Scouts wear ''The Airman's Cord''.((citation needed|date=July 2020))

==Rover programme==
The [[Rover Scouts|Rover section]] is open to any young adults between the ages of 18 and 30.<ref name="or2017">((cite web
 | url = https://www.scouts.org.za/wp-content/uploads/Organisational-Rules-2017v1.pdf
 | title = Organisational Rules Version 2017v1
 | date = 2017
 | publisher = SCOUTS South Africa
 | access-date = 20 July 2020
 | archive-date = 20 July 2020
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200720113843/https://www.scouts.org.za/wp-content/uploads/Organisational-Rules-2017v1.pdf
 | url-status = live
 ))</ref> The Rover programme focuses on their motto of 'Service', which has 3 aspects – service to the community, service to the Scout Movement and service to oneself.<ref>((cite web
 | url =http://tablebayrovers.co.za/index.php/the-3-pillars-of-service/
 | title =The 3 Pillars of Service
 | website =Table Bay Rovers
 | access-date =14 February 2016
 | archive-date =15 October 2016
 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20161015071148/http://tablebayrovers.co.za/index.php/the-3-pillars-of-service/
 | url-status =live
 ))</ref> Rovers are not necessarily adult leaders of Scout Troops, although there is often some overlap. The Rover section has historically been open to young men and women, even prior to the Cub and Scout sections being opened to girls.

The purpose of Rover Scouting is to encourage Rovers to train themselves and their fellow Rovers in citizenship and service, to encourage Rovers to pursue careers that they enjoy and that are useful to themselves and to render services to both the [[Scout Movement]] and the community around them.((citation needed|date=July 2020))

Within three months of joining a Rover Crew a newcomer may be invested as a Squire. Alternatively, a Scout wishing to join the Rover Crew upon their 18th birthday, may complete the Rover Network Badge.<ref name=rovertrail>((cite web
 | url=https://www.scouts.org.za/members/rovers/
 | title=Rover Trail
 | publisher=SCOUTS South Africa
 | access-date=20 July 2020
 | archive-date=29 July 2020
 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729225948/https://www.scouts.org.za/members/rovers/
 | url-status=live
 ))</ref> Newcomers, not previously a Scout, must first be invested as a Scout and must take the Scout Promise. The Squire then chooses a mentor, called a Sponsor, from one of the existing Rovers; the Sponsor's task is to guide the Squire in learning all the necessary Scouting skills and to aid the Squire in performing a service project as set out by the Rover Crew. Once the service project is completed the Squire can be invested as a fully fledged Rover.<ref name="rovertrail"/>

=== Rover badges ===

==== Rover advancement badges ====
Rovers are able to take part in a 5-part advancement, similar to that of Scouts. Each rank of advancement focuses on a different stage of the development of a young adult, and on a different part of a Rovers service. The advancement awards are:<ref name=rovertrail/>
* The Personal Bar – Focusing on skills a young adult may need to develop, such as writing a CV or learning about investing.
* The Movement Bar – Focus is on service to Scouting, and Rovers are requires to learn practical outdoor skills and use these skills to help youth activities.
* The Community Bar – A Rover is required to get involved in their local community, research needs and develop projects to fulfill these.
* The Leadership Bar – A more senior Rover can use the skills they have gained by this point to guide younger Rovers and take a leadership role in the Crew.
* The Baden-Powell Award – The highest award a Rover can attain. Requires the completion of all previous bars, 4 Rover Awards and a challenge award.

==== Rover awards ====
Rovers can earn eleven different awards:<ref name=rovertrail/>

* The Careers Award
* The Civics Award
* The Community Service Award
* The Rambler's Award
* The Scoutcraft Award
* The Scouter Training Award
* The Sportsmanship Award
* The Project Award
* The Public Health Award
* The Emergency Service Award
* The Arts and Culture Award
'''Challenge Awards'''

Rovers must earn at least one "Challenge Award" in order to achieve the Baden-Powell Award. These are awards in recognition of activity done outside of the advancement programme. Various awards are recognised for this purpose, including awards administered by SCOUTS South Africa, international awards administered by WOSM, and external awards administered by independent organisations.<ref>((Cite book|title=Rover Trail|publisher=Scouts South Africa|year=2017|location=Cape Town|pages=21–28))</ref>

==Events==
In addition to activities run by individual Scout groups, a large number of rallies, activities, competitions, and training courses are held by the different Regions. The biggest of these are probably the [[Kon-Tiki (Scouting)|Kon-Tiki]] raft building competitions (held annually in Cape Town and Gauteng) and the JOTA-JOTI communications-focussed [[Jamboree]].<ref>((cite web|title=Are you ready for JOTA JOTI?|url=https://www.scouts.org.za/2019/10/04/jota-joti/|website=scouts.org.za|date=4 October 2019 |access-date=13 October 2020|archive-date=13 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013225842/https://www.scouts.org.za/2019/10/04/jota-joti/|url-status=live))</ref> Nationally, the [[Senior Scout Adventure]] is held every two years in the [[Cederberg]] mountains. In the past, South Africa has also held a national Jamboree, known as SANJAMB.((citation needed|date=July 2020))

===Patrol Leaders Training Unit===
[[File:Lexden woggle, made from white plastic insulated wire.png|thumb|right|Lexden Woggle worn by PLTU attendees. The woggle is a five-[[Turk's head knot]] with three strands, and is usually made from white plastic insulated wire.]]
The ''Patrol Leaders Training Unit'' (or PLTU) is a 7- to 12-day course run at various venues around South Africa. PLTU is a very physically and mentally strenuous course, open to Scouts who are over 14½ years old and have achieved their Discoverer advancement badge.((citation needed|date=July 2020))

The first of what was to become the Patrol Leader training Unit courses was run at Lexden&nbsp;— Natal Gilwell Scout Training Camp in July 1959, under the leadership of Dudley Forde, with 19 Scouts from the 2nd Durban Y.M.C.A. Scout Group in attendance. Courses were offered to boys from the same Group over the next five years until the 6th Course in October 1964 which was opened to participants from South Durban District.((citation needed|date=July 2020))

In October 1967 the Patrol Leader Training Unit was formed to offer formal Leadership Training courses for Scout Patrol Leaders in the then Natal Division. The nine members comprising the original Unit were Dudley Forde [Chairman], Fr Ian Laurenson, Lynn Reynolds, Paddy McDowell, Paul and Helen Bezencon, Ian Hoare, Tony Hornby and Bill Sewell.
The KwaZulu-Natal Patrol Leader training Unit celebrated the holding of its 100th course in July 2004.((citation needed|date=July 2020))
Dudley Forde, Fr Ian Laurenson, James Radford, Doug Drysdale, Bryan Dibben, Craig Shaw, Grant Martens and Guy Caws have led the PLTU over its first 45&nbsp;years.((citation needed|date=July 2020))

This Unit hosted and mentored leaders who went on to create Patrol Leader Training Units in other centres in South Africa: Ian Hoare&nbsp;— East London, Derek Swemmer&nbsp;— Pretoria, Lynn Reynolds&nbsp;— Free State, Bill Hodges and Bruce Maree&nbsp;— Eastern Cape, Ian Harry and Chris Barrett&nbsp;— Gauteng, Peter Foster&nbsp;— Western Cape.((citation needed|date=July 2020))

A typical PLTU course focuses on character development in each individual, including the development of physical, mental and spiritual qualities. Qualities such as leadership and team spirit are instilled in the Scouts during the course.((citation needed|date=July 2020))
There are a number of PLTU courses on offer around South Africa
* Gilten PLTU&nbsp;— Held in [[Johannesburg]]
* Gilqua PLTU&nbsp;— Held in the [[Western Cape]]
* Weston PLTU&nbsp;— Held in [[Johannesburg]]
* Lexden PLTU&nbsp;— The original PLTU course held in [[KwaZulu-Natal]]
* Gilcoast PLTU&nbsp;— Held in the [[Eastern Cape]]
* Gilkloof PLTU&nbsp;— Held in  [[Magoebaskloof]]

On the successful completion of a PLTU course a Scout is entitled to wear a PLTU [[woggle]] (which is made by the Scout while on the course) and to wear a special PLTU badge on their uniform. Many Troops also require a Scout to complete a PLTU course before allowing them to become a Patrol Leader.((citation needed|date=July 2020))

==International links==
Scouts South Africa plays an active role in the Southern Africa Zone, which consists of all the WOSM member Scout Associations in the Southern Africa region. The [[WOSM-Africa Region|Africa Scout Region]] has a satellite office in Cape Town at the Scouts South Africa headquarters. A number of European Scout Associations are also involved in north–south partnerships with Scouts in developing countries, including several active programmes in South Africa. Members of the [[Boy Scouts of America]] living in South Africa may become [[Lone Scouts]] linked to the [[Direct Service]] branch of the BSA.((citation needed|date=July 2020))

===Contributions to World Scouting===
The ''Join-In Jamboree'' concept, for Scouts in their home countries during [[World Scout Jamboree]]s, was pioneered by the South African [[Victor J. Clapham|Vic Clapham]] in the 1970s. Vic Clapham was awarded the [[Bronze Wolf]], the only distinction of the [[World Organization of the Scout Movement]], by the World Scout Committee for exceptional services to world Scouting. In 1971, former Chief Scout [[Arthur H. Johnstone]] was also awarded the Bronze Wolf. [[Colin James Inglis|Colin Inglis]] and [[Garnet de la Hunt]], both former Chief Scouts of South Africa, were awarded the Bronze Wolf in 1996 for their work towards racial unity in Scouting during the apartheid era. [[Winston Adams]] of South Africa received the Bronze Wolf in 2017.<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.scout.org/BronzeWolfAward/list|title=List of recipients of the Bronze Wolf Award|publisher=Scout.org|access-date=13 July 2017|archive-date=29 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129053624/https://www.scout.org/BronzeWolfAward/List|url-status=dead))</ref>

Frank Opie, a South African Scout leader and environmental educationalist, published ''The Global Scout'' on behalf of World Scouting in 1993. The South African Scout Association hosted the [[World Scout Conference]] and [[World Scout Youth Forum]] in [[Durban]] in 1999. Garnet de la Hunt chaired the [[World Scout Committee]] from 1999 to 2002, and former Chief Scout [[Nkwenkwe Nkomo]] was elected to the World Scout Committee in 2005.

==See also==
((Portal|South Africa))
* [[Lesotho Scouts Association]]
* [[Scouts of Namibia]]
* [[Eswatini Scout Association]]
* [[Voortrekkers (youth organisation)|Voortrekkers]]
* [[Girl Guides South Africa]]

==References==
((Reflist))

((WOSM|africa))
((Scouting|other))
((South Africa topics))
((Authority control))

[[Category:World Organization of the Scout Movement member organizations]]
[[Category:Scouting and Guiding in South Africa]]
[[Category:Youth organizations established in 1908]]
[[Category:1908 establishments in South Africa]]

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