Rovers, be the difference that makes the difference!

Message from Chief Commissioner Gary Pienaar

Our Rover members are certainly spoilt for choice this month, with two key events taking place in April.

The first-ever Africa Rover Moot is currently taking place at the Rowallan National Scout Camp in Nairobi, Kenya from the 15th to 25th April.  A contingent of ten Rovers gathered at Arrowe Park in Benoni a week ago, before making the journey to Nairobi.  Judging from all the social media posts, they are having a wonderful experience and learning from the other young leaders representing the 25 countries participating.

Then, over the coming long weekend, our own National Rover Moot will be hosted in the Outeniqua region of the Western Cape.  This will be the 9th National Rover Moot to be held in South Africa.  Some 71 participants and staff will be gathering at High Ridge Farm outside of George, a campsite nestled amongst the Outeniqua mountains, from the 27th of April to 1st May.  Best wishes to all the participants as they embark on this adventurous milestone in their Scouting journey and a special thanks to the planning team for all the time, effort and energy that went into making such an event possible.

While the Rover branch focuses on their motto of ‘Service’, apart from fun and adventure, another key outcome of the Rover programme is developing lifelong skills and capabilities amongst young adults.  In time, these young leaders will be the ones to take Scouting forward and grow both SCOUTS South Africa’s numbers and our influence and impact in the communities where we operate.

My challenge to those Rovers who have the privilege of being part of these two events, is to seize the moment and make the most of every opportunity for personal growth and discovery.  You have the opportunity and the ability to ‘be the difference, that makes the difference’ in our Scout Groups, our communities, and for the greater good of our country South Africa.

I look forward to hearing all your stories, your experiences, and your adventures on your return.  You are worthy ambassadors for our Rover programme and the transformative value of Scouting as a whole.  In addition, your feedback will go a long way to helping us prepare for the World Rover Moot in Portugal in 2025, and for taking on the hosting duties for the 2nd Africa Rover Moot in 2026.