Scouts 'can make a difference'

2008-04-28 21:11

Sydney Masinga

Nelspruit - Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana has challenged the Scout movement to shape young people in southern Africa so they can be better adults.

Mdladlana, who is second in command in the South African Scouts movement, made the challenge at the Scouts' 35th regional conference for southern Africa in Midrand at the weekend.

"We are faced with children in war situations, child rape and abuse, crime involving young children and child labour - where is the Scout movement?

"You have a responsibility to prune and guide young people," said Mdladlana, who joined the Scouts as a young boy more than 40 years ago.

"Scouting made me what I am today. Basic principles and values do not disappear. They guide you in later life," said Mdladlana.

About 200 delegates from Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe attended the three-day conference, which ran from Friday to Sunday, to exchange ideas on what young people expect from the movement today.

Difficult situations

Department spokesperson Zolisa Sigabi said on Monday: "The minister reminded delegates about challenges facing the region.

"He cited the political situations in Kenya and Zimbabwe and implored Scouts to help young people caught up in difficult situations."

The minister said children must be allowed to grow in a safe environment and realise that power does not lie in a gun.

The conference also looked at the role of women in the Scout movement and the spiritual development of young people.

A world Scouts conference will be held in Japan in 2015.

- African Eye