About

1Million Scouts



SCOUTS SA was established in South Africa in 1908 and has remained a non-political organisation since its inception. It was one of the first organisations in South Africa to have members of all races participate in integrated activities in 1977, and opened its doors to girls in 2000. SCOUTS SA is a recognised National Scout Organisation affiliated to the World Organisation of Scout Movements (WOSM) and is registered as a non-profit organisation (019-215-NPO). SCOUTS SA has operating Scout Groups in all nine Provinces.


For over 111 years, SCOUTS SA's programmes have shaped the lives and unleashed the potential of hundreds of thousands of South Africans by following a learning-by-doing programme. Central in the Scouting programmes in the continuous transference of values such as honesty, loyalty, responsibility and respect; all aimed at empowering the youth to govern their own individual behaviours and to develop strong leadership skills that will equip them to be of service to others and to their communities.


All youth (girls and boys) aged five to thirty participate within the following branches; Meerkats (5-6), Cubs (7-10), Scouts (11-17), and Rovers (18-30). All of our Adult Leaders are volunteers.


90% of SCOUTS SA's 190,000 members come from townships and rural areas.

SCOUTS South Africa

by the numbers

about scouts south africa

48% female

about scouts south africa

52% male

about scouts south africa

+12 300 youth under 17 years old
are in leadership positions

about scouts south africa

90% from rural areas

about scouts south africa

10% from urban areas

Scouting complements the school and family roles

and fills unmet needs by



  • Combating poverty and addressing hunger alleviation through agricultural skills development
  • Developing youth to be positive citizens and contributors to their communities and country
  • Equipping youth with practical leadership, communication, vocational skills to embrace future education and career opportunities;
  • Enhancing HIV/AIDS awareness and first-aid capabilities
  • Enhancing environmental consciousness through interventions and projects
  • Providing positive peer-pressure and role models for youth
  • Building self-esteems and confidence
  • Promoting a culture of peace


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