Alex "Jakala" Philander

ALEX PHILANDER, widely known as JAKALA, passed away peacefully after a short illness on 2 April 1996 at the age of 75 years.

He first joined the Movement in 1937 as a Scout in the 1st Kenilworth Group. He founded 1st Salt River Group in 1939 and become its first Scoutmaster.

Alex was a member of the first Wood badge Course for members of the Coloured Association in 1948 and in 1949 was appointed Assistant Divisional Commissioner for Scouts. He was subsequently Training Commissioner and finally Divisional Commissioner from the late 1950 for twelve years.

As Training Commissioner Alex was instrumental in acquiring Gilray in 1955 as Training and Camping ground for the Division. The ground was named after Carl Rayner - HQ Secretary at the time.

Jakala was replaced as Divisional Commissioner in 1970 and held the rank of Hon Commissioner from then on.

At the time of his passing he was Chairman of the Gilray Management Committee, a member of the Scout Shop Committee in Cape Western and the National Penfriend Co-ordinator.

Alex was much decorated for his services and held both the SILVER WOLF and the BAR to the ORDER OF THE SILVER PROTEA. He was a member the Movement for just on 60 years.

He will be missed by a wide circle of friends and former colleagues in the Scouting Movement.

See Also

• Edith Philander - his wife