2008 is the Centenary of Scouting in South Africa

In 1907, we celebrated the centenary of worldwide Scouting and in 1908, we celebrate the centenary of Scouting in South Africa.

Scouting in South Africa were formed in 1908, only a few months after Scouting began in the UK. It's not certain which Troop was the very first, because good records were not available until a bit later when a national organisation had been formed. However, we do know that Scouts were active in the Cape and Transvaal as early as March 1908, and in the Orange Free State and Natal by 1909 - perhaps earlier.

At least two South African Scout groups are celebrating their centenary during 2008:

• 1st Claremont in Cape Town claims to be the oldest Scout Troop in South Africa, formed on 3 March 1908.
• 1st Kengray BK (formerly 1st Belgravia) in Gauteng is another group founded in 1908.

Scouts in Australia, Canada, Ireland, Malta and New Zealand also celebrate their centenary in 2008.

• If anyone has information on the first groups to form in South Africa, please contact the webmaster.