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“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.”
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| Nelson R. Mandela |
| Patron of SCOUTS South Africa |
12/6/13 Press release of the South Africa Scouts Association:
In 1976, the South Africa Scout Association took the courageous and unprecedented step of defying an unjust system and opened its doors to all young South Africans in a single united Association.
Upon becoming President of South Africa in 1994, Dr. Mandela recognised this pioneering role of Scouting in integrating South African society when he accepted to become the Association’s Patron.Under his patronage, the Scout Movement has made tremendous progress and is one of the largest youth organisations in South Africa.
In recognition of his commitment to the dignity and freedom of all people, his support for the development of young people and their education, and his contribution to the growth of Scouting in South Africa and beyond, Madiba was awarded the Africa Elephant Award, the highest Scouting Award given by the Africa Scout Committee on the African Continent.
From the World Organization of the Scouting Movement
South Africa’s anti apartheid icon, Nobel prize laureate and a great supporter of Scouting, Nelson Mandela – passed away on 06 December 2013. Scouts from around the world have received this news with great sadness.
Scott Teare, the Secretary General of WOSM said: “He is and will remain a great inspiration for all Scouts around the world. Today, over 40 million Scouts join the rest of the world in mourning for this great loss and we pray for his soul to rest in peace.”
Nelson Mandela’s singleness of purpose under impossible odds has long been an inspiration to me.
Born into a system that considered him a second-class citizen and denied him a voice, he spoke out.
He rose from the hopelessness and indignity of a prisoner to the presidency of South Africa on the wings of the simple idea: democratic freedom for all people.
He exchanged bitterness and vengeance for peace and reconciliation.
He has shown us one person’s powerful potential to making the world a better place.
He has gone home now but the fruits of his labor, his ideal of service, his commitment to peace and reconciliation remain.
Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela
