Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday was on 18 July
2008 and Scouts celebrated too! Not only because he
is South Africa's most famous citizen, but he is also
the Patron of the South
African Scout Association.
Have you met him, had your picture taken with him,
or ever run into him? Perhaps you once saw Mr Mandela
in your neighbourhood, or you have a vivid memory that
stands out.
We'd love to hear your stories, see your pictures and
share them with fellow Scouts. So we challenge all Scout
groups to send in your clips of Madiba or your group's
celebrations in honour of our patron.
Send your stories to
Mandela speaks about Scouting
"The international Scout movement is a world leader
in youth education, and has particular relevance to
the needs of youth in Africa and the emerging democracies
around the globe.
I am pleased with the progress of Scouting in South
Africa, and in the steps which are now being taken to
make the programme accessible to more young people.
The importance of a high moral code, which is at the
foundation of the Scout movement, cannot be stressed
too highly."
Nelson R. Mandela
Madiba is 90!
Former Chief Scout Nkwenkwe Nkomo presents Nelson Mandela
with Africa's top Scouting award in 2004.
"I
am now devoting my life to fight AIDS in Africa, especially
with young people," declared Nelson Mandela, the
former President of South Africa, when he accepted an
award for humanity from the British Red Cross.
The award was presented by Dr. Jacques Moreillon (Secretary
General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement)
in his capacity as a member of the International Committee
of the Red Cross. In the 1970's Dr. Moreillon visited
Dr. Mandela many times on behalf of the Red Cross when
he was imprisoned on Robben Island. They have remained
in close contact.
Their recent meeting in London was an opportunity for
Dr. Moreillon to explain to Dr. Mandela the new AIDS
programme being undertaken in Africa by the Alliance
of Youth CEOs.
"I
am now devoting my life to fight AIDS in Africa, especially
with young people," declared Nelson Mandela, the
former President of South Africa, when he accepted an
award for humanity from the British Red Cross. 