We are proud to announce the appointment of internationally acclaimed entrepreneur Mr Sandile Tshabalala as Chairman of the Scout Board. The Scout Board is the governing body of the volunteer-driven South African Scout Movement, SCOUTS South Africa, which serves over 33 000 members nationwide.
Mr Tshabalala is the co-founder and owner of Huruma Bantfu and has held governance positions with multinationals and most recently as a Board of Directors and Investment Committee Secretary for the Public Investment Corporation. He is also a recipient of the Mail and Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans 2023 under the Business category supported by the African Bank and a recipient of the News24 100 Young Mandela’s of the Future 2023 under the Humanitarianism category. He is also in the 2024 cohort of the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Leading For Humanity Fellowship.
“I am humbled to have been appointed by the Board of SCOUTS South Africa to become the new Chairperson, continuing from the leadership of Dr Goba who will retire from the Board after serving for several years. This is indeed a true reflection of good governance undertaken by Scouting South Africa; ensuring strategic succession”, says Mr Tshabalala.
“Having been a Cub and later a Scout myself, I embody the values of the organisation from childhood to adulthood. However, this significant honour to add value the strategic direction of Scouting in South Africa will enable me to showcase the essential leadership qualities as taught by Baden Powell, ‘to be prepared’ to take the organisation to its new possibilities of growth, inclusivity and impact embedded in accountability.
While I lean on my joyful memories of Scouting as a child, I am committed to working towards advocating that every child should have a dignified childhood that teaches, propels and prepares for the future through life lessons beyond the classroom. I will remain steadfast in utilising my professional expertise to align the relevance of Scouting to every child, in every community and for equal benefit from its programmes. In a world so divided, troubled and deeply uncertain, Scouting remains a safe space for children and early adults to find commonality and an understanding of the world that does not take away from them, but gives into their talents, strengths and potential.
I am excited to foster sustainable collaboration and partnership with all stakeholders of our society, to see Scouting as a pathway to personal development that is integrative beyond socio-economic conditions. I accept that I cannot do this alone, but rely on every parent, teacher, Scouting volunteer, Scouting youth, and community leader to reimagine Scouting and its appropriateness to our world today. I appreciate the confidence of the management and Board of SCOUTS South Africa for entrusting me to have a vision for South Africa’s largest child and youth organisation and to collectively to realise it.”
SCOUTS South Africa Chief Executive Officer Mr Wayne du Plessis echoes this sentiment and adds: “I want to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation to both our outgoing and incoming chairperson as SCOUTS South Africa transitions leadership within our Board.
Dr Goba, your dedication, wisdom, and steady leadership have been instrumental in guiding SCOUTS South Africa over the past years. Your commitment and insight have left a lasting impact, and we are incredibly grateful for your service. Thank you for your invaluable contributions and for setting such a strong foundation for the future.
Mr Tshabalala, it is with great enthusiasm that we welcome you into this role. Your fresh perspective, energy, and passion for youth development in South Africa, bring an exciting new chapter for our organisation. As a dynamic and driven leader, your enthusiasm will undoubtedly inspire both the Board and the broader Scouting community. I look forward to working alongside you as we build on our successes and embrace new opportunities. Once again, thank you both for your leadership—past, present, and future. Here’s to an exciting journey ahead!”
Mr Tshabalala credits his drive for transformation and service to learning how to change his community as a 7-year-old Cub in the Kanyamazane township of Mpumalanga. In November 2023 he joined the SCOUTS South Africa Board, and on Tuesday 25 February stepped up to the helm to steer the youth movement forward in the years to come. Read more about his Scouting journey here.
SCOUTSA S’s Governing Board:
- Ms Crystal Valere Abdoll
- Mr Ajay Daya
- Mr Phillip Mulungo
- Ms Farai Ntuli
- Mr Vivian Reddy
- Chief Scout: Mr Khonzaphi Mdaka
With a membership of 33 000 children, youth and volunteers nationwide, of which most live in previously disadvantaged and impoverished areas, SCOUTS South Africa is a non-profit with a focus on leadership and skills development, while simultaneously empowering young people to contribute towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through their adventurous and educational programmes offered to children aged 5 to 17, and young adults aged 18 to 30. SCOUTS South Africa is affiliated to World Scouting. The Scout Movement was founded in 1907 by Baden Powell. It has over 57 million members in over 200 countries and territories worldwide.
For more information or an interview with Sandile Tshabalala please contact SCOUTS SA Chief Executive Officer Wayne du Plessis on ceo@scouts.org.za or National PR Manager Natasha Kayle on natasha.kayle@scouts.org.za.