Mafeking Centenary 1985
Report on the Scout Participation in the Mafikeng Centenary Celebration, by Colin Inglis.
Background
On 11 March, 1885, General Sir Charles Warren, commanding the expedition force, laid out the village of Mafeking near to the 'Place of Stones' (Mafikeng) on the Molopo River where Kgosi Montshiwa and the Barolong people had settled in the early 1850's. To mark the occasion, a hundred years later, the Town Council and citizens of Mafikeng celebrated the Centenary with a week-long programme of events from the 10th to the 17th March.
The Siege of Mafeking played an important role in the formation of the Scout Movement. Not only did Baden-Powell's spirited defence of the town make him a hero in the eyes of boys around the world, who were thus receptive to his ideas on Scouting, but also the devotion to duty of the boys in the 'Siege Cadet Corps' implanted the idea in his mind that if you give real responsibility to boys they will rise to the occasion.
In view of the strong association of Mafikeng with Scouting, Mrs Adele Allen of Mmabatho Communications (official organiser of the Centenary) on behalf of the Town Council of Mafikeng invited the Boy Scouts of South Africa to participate in the celebrations. After hearing her presentation to the May, 1984, meeting of the National Council, Council in principle supported some form of participation by the B.S.S.A. in the Centenary Celebrations, including a Jamborally-type event.
Concept
As planning progressed, the Boy Scouts of South Africa participation in the Celebrations evolved into two main areas of activity:
The 'Flame of Friendship'
With the participation of the British Scout Association, Safleisure the owners of the ship 'Astor', and the B.S.S.A., a Flame representing the spirit of Scouting friendship was carried by Scout runners from London, the birthplace of B-P, via Charterhouse (his school) to Southampton from whence it was conveyed by ship to Cape Town. From Cape Town runners from the B.S.S.A. carried it by road via Bloemfontein, Welkom, Johannesburg, and Pretoria to arrive at Mafikeng on Saturday, 16 March.
At the Flame lighting Ceremony in Mafikeng, the Secretary-General of the World Scout Bureau, Mr Laszlo Nagy, lit the permanent 'Flame of Friendship' housed in a granite monument in the Town Square from the torch conveyed by Scout runners from London via Cape Town and the Reef to Mafikeng.
Present were delegations from invited Scout Associations from around the world representing the 117 Scout Association members of the World Scout Conference, together with the Scouts and Girl Guides from the Camporee held at Cooke's Lake on the outskirts of the town.
The Mafikeng Centenary Camporee
The Camporee, organised and run by the Northern Transvaal Area, was attended by some 700 Scouts and Guides. Although most campers came from Northern Transvaal Area representative contingents of two patrols each and Scouts from the foreign delegations were also present. The Camporee was sited at Cooke's Lake on the outskirts of Mafikeng.
The Friendship Flame Run
After kindling the 'Friendship Flame' at Baden-Powell House in London, the birthplace of the Founder, the relay team of nine young men and one young woman Venture Scouts left at 10.00 hrs on Saturday, 2 February. The route took them past the Windmill on Wimbledon Common where Baden-Powell wrote much of 'Scouting for Boys' in 1908.
After arriving at about 17.00 hrs, the Flame was received by the boys of the Charterhouse School Scout Troop, where Baden-Powell spent his school days. On their own initiative, the Charterhouse Scouts composed and presented 'A Scroll of Greetings to the Boy Scouts of South Africa ' to the runners to carry with the Flame.
The Scroll reads as follows :
"Greetings from the Scouts of Charterhouse to the Boy Scouts of South Africa on the occasion of the centenary of Mafikeng. We are proud to link the School, where our Founder was inspired by his love of the outdoor life and where he impressed so many with the breadth and richness of his talents, with the City where he inspired those around him by his leadership and was himself impressed by the conduct of those under his command, and especially by the courage and efficiency of the Boy Messengers. We commemorate with pride these important elements of the Foundation of our Movement."
After being laid up overnight at Charter house, guarded by Scouts, the Flame continued on to Southampton and at 12.00 noon on the 4th February was taken on board the liner M.S. 'Astor' by kind arrangements made with the owners Safleisure. At a ceremony, the 'Friendship Flame' was officially handed over to Mrs Heather King, eldest daughter of the Founder, and her husband, Wing Cdr J .King who accompanied the Flame to Cape Town.
Owing to the hazard of fire on board the ship, the Flame was transferred from the Torch to a small hurricane lantern and placed on the Bridge of the ship.
During the voyage the lantern was in the care of the Officer of the Watch. It is pleasing to record that former 1st White River Scout, Gavin Durell, was the First Mate on the MS. 'Astor' during the trip.
Arrival in Cape Town
After its arrival in Cape Town, a Reception Ceremony was held on board the 'Astor' at 11.00 hrs on Wednesday, 20 February at which Mrs Heather King entrusted the 'Flame of Friendship' lantern and the Stone from Brownsea Island to the Boy Scouts of South Africa in the person of the Chief Scout, Mr Colin Inglis.
Present at the Ceremony was the Mayor of Cape T own, Alderman Sol Kreiner; the Mayor and Mayoress of Mafikeng, Councillor and Mrs Syd Gordon; the Town Clerk of Mafikeng and his wife; the Ambassador of Bophuthatswana and senior members of the Bophuthatswana Defence Force; Commodore Ivan Currie, Master of the 'Astor' ; Wing Cmdr John King; Mr Garnet de La Hunt, Area Commissioner of Cape Western, and Mrs de la Hunt ; the Managing Director of Safleisure, the owners of the 'Astor'; Mr and Mrs Crispin Clay, grandson of the Founder; Commissioners and Scouters from Cape Western Area; and the Scout Band under the direction of Alan Shinton. After the Ceremony, the V.I.P. guests were entertained to lunch on the 'Astor'.
After receiving the Flame from the Chief Scout for its passage through Cape Western Area, Mr de la Hunt handed the Flame to Scout runners who, preceded through the streets of Cape Town by the Scout Band, conveyed it to the Golden Acre shopping complex in Adderley Street. Here, guarded by Scouts during the day and evening, the Flame was displayed to the public together with an exhibition of Scouting in action. The Flame remained on display until it was run to St George's Cathedral for the Dedication Service on Sunday afternoon, 24 February.
Banquet in Cape Town
During the evening of Thursday, 21 February, a banquet was held jointly by SA Headquarters and Cape Western Area at the Cape Sun Hotel to celebrate the arrival of the Flame of Friendship on African soil.
Hosted by the Chairman of Cape Western Area, Mr Clifford Harris, the distinguished guests, among others, Dr Piet Koornhof, Chairman of the President's Council, and Mrs Koornhof; Sir Richard Luyt, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town and former Chief Scout of British Guiana, and Lady Luyt; Wing Cmdr and Mrs King, eldest daughter of B-P; Mr and Mrs Crispin Clay, grandson of the Founder (his son, Eric, great-grandson of B-P attended the 'Astor' Ceremony and the Dedication Service); the Mayor and Mayoress of Mafikeng; the Town Clerk of Mafikeng and his wife; Commodore Currie; Vice-Presidents of Cape Western Area; and Headmasters of prominent Cape Town Schools.
The toast to The Scout Movement was proposed by Sir Richard Luyt, who in his youth was a Scout in the 1st Worcester Troop. Referring to his Scoutmaster, Hugo Naude, Sir Richard said 'he taught us the things that men should know' and he showed us the mountains and beyond! Mr Carveth Geach, Vice-President of the Boy Scouts of South Africa, in a notable speech replied on behalf of the Movement in which he outlined the role Scouting is playing, and could play in South Africa today and tomorrow.
A happy and popular event at the Banquet was the investiture of Mr Clifford Harris into the Order of the Silver Springbok by the Chief Scout in recognition of his exceptionally distinguished services to the Scout Movement over a period of many years. The award was greeted with acclaim by those present. The Banquet was a very pleasant and successful event.
Dedication Service
A magnificent Dedication Service, organised by Mr Winston Adams, Area Secretary of Cape Western, full of colour and pageantry was held in St George's Cathedral on Sunday afternoon, 24 February. Attendance at the Service, which was by invitation only, packed the Cathedral to overflowing with a large gathering outside. Officiating at the Service were Archbishop Philip Russell and Archbishop Stephen Naidoo, who delivered the sermon.
The Service included the parade of a sea of yellow and green Cub and Scout flags, trumpet fanfares, a choir from Guguletu and Langa, and the lighting of 10 candles as each Scout recited one of the Scout Laws.
After the Dedication Service the Mayor of Cape Town handed the Flame to the first of the Scout runners on the steps of the Cathedral. The carillon of St George's pealed out its joyous ringing as the Flame started on its 20-day, 2,000 km journey across Southern Africa, borne by hundreds of Scouts, to Mafikeng.
Cape Western Area was appointed by the National Executive to co-ordinate 'The Flame Run' from Cape Town to Mafikeng, the task being ably performed by the Organising Committee consisting of Edward Rose and Winston Adams. The route followed was Cape Town - Beaufort West - Bloemfontein - Welkom - Johannesburg into Northern Transvaal Area and West to Mafikeng. Runners were provided by Cape Western to Beaufort West by Cape Midlands, Cape Border, and Transkei to Bloemfontein; Central via Welkom to the Transvaal Area border; Transvaal via Gilwell, Florida; then Northern Transvaal until the last stretch to Mafikeng when Scouts from Natal & KwaZulu took over.
The 'Flame Support Team', consisting of Neville Coxon and Frank Flowers, the Field Commissioners from Cape Western, and reserve runners, accompanied the Flame the whole distance to Mafikeng. Daily reports on progress were telephoned through to the control centre in Cape Town. Each Scout runner, wearing a 'Mafikeng Centenary T-shirt' ran with the Flame for one, two, or a few kilometres before passing it on to the next runner.
The response received from cities and towns along the route was excellent, with Mayors receiving the Flame and sending it on its journey with messages of goodwill and congratulations to the town of Mafikeng on its Centenary. In many cases the Mayors held receptions for the runners and their escort. Transvaal Area arranged a function to receive the Flame at Gilwell, to which the Mayors of the Reef towns along the route were invited.
Two Transvaal Area runners and a young man, David Lang, from the Boy Scouts of America were interviewed on S.A.T.V. at Auckland Park on Monday, 11 March.
The spirit and atmosphere, typical of the Run, is captured by this extract of the leg between Touwsriver to Matjiesfontein:
The first runners departed from in front of the Loganda Hotel in Touwsriver at precisely 08.00hrs on Wednesday, 27 February, in cool and somewhat cloudy weather, but as the day progressed the temperature rose steadily and three hours after the start the runners were urged to wear hats while running as a form of protection against the heat. The sequence of dropping off and picking up runners was left entirely to the CW 6/8 Support Team. A cracking pace was maintained by the boys despite the heat and, after 30 km had been run, it was predicted that the Matjiesfontein turn off would be reached in very good time.
The road between Touwsriver and Laingsburg is notoriously dangerous due to the heavy volume of traffic it carries and the runners were frequently given encouragement by people in cars and lorries who whistled, waved and hooted as their vehicles sped past, the runners ran into the village en masse ending up in front of the famous Lord Milner Hotel.
The runners, some 50 in number, made a most impressive entry and was watched by almost the entire village, each boy received a coke and was allowed a dip in the normally 'residents' only swimming pool. The spirit of Scouting and the spirit of adventure were evident in the way the boys carried the Flame aloft on its way to Mafikeng.
Join the swing to Mafikeng
9th -16th March 1985
Through the generosity of the Town Council of Mafikeng, which financed through the official Centenary organizers Mmabatho Communications the cost of the airfares and hotel expenses, a representative sample of foreign Scout Associations was invited by the Boy Scouts of South Africa to send a 5-person delegation to participate in the Centenary Celebrations and to witness the lighting of the permanent Flame of Friendship by the Secretary-General of the World Scout Bureau, Laszlo Nagy.
The Scout Associations that accepted our invitation and sent delegations were Australia, Philippines, Hong Kong, Rep of China, Israel, Italy, Germany, Belgium, United Kingdom, Canada, United States of America, Swaziland, and Lesotho. Individuals unofficially representing - Sweden and Zimbabwe were also present. Other countries with delegations were Transkei, Ciskei and Bophuthatswana, Scout Associations that did not accept invitations were New Zealand, Thailand, France, Denmark, Japan, Kenya, Zambia and Nigeria.
Arrival in Johannesburg
Foreign delegations started arriving in Johannesburg from 8 March and the last on Sunday morning, 10 March. They were met by a welcoming party from Transvaal Area led by Daryl McEwan and escorted to the Airport Sun Hotel where they stayed until the coach left for Mafikeng on Sunday afternoon, 10 March. From Friday evening the Chief Scout was also present to welcome them.
On Saturday and Sunday morning, Transvaal Area kindly organised a programme of sightseeing for those interested that included a tour of the city centre, the top of the Carlton Hotel, Witwatersrand University. Thereafter the party was taken to Gilwell, Florida, where they met the members of a Scout Preliminary Wood Badge Course and enjoyed a braai hosted by Transvaal Area. This was a notable social occasion, Gilwell was looking its best, and looking back several delegates remarked that the Gilwell visit was one of the highlights of their trip.
On Sunday Morning many foreign delegates enjoyed a visit to the Snake Park at Halfway House. All delegations assembled at the Airport Sun Hotel for lunch with meat carved from an ox roasted whole.
On arrival at Mafikeng before supper on Sunday, 10 March, the V.I.P. party on the coach was met at the Mmabatho Sun Hotel by Mr Winston Adams and his Scout assistant Barry Culligan, Simon Grantham, Craig Josias and Sean Christians. This group, which did sterling work, was responsible for seeing that all the arrangements for the week-long programme went smoothly. It is to their credit that in spite of many hitches in bus arrival times etc. which were beyond their control, our guests were not unduly inconvenienced. The junior members of the foreign delegations were accommodated at the Mafikeng Scout Camporee.
Programme
Monday 11 March
On Monday morning at 9.45 hrs the Scout party of 70 odd from the Mmabatho Sun Hotel were present to see the Mayor of Mafikeng take the salute at a March Past of a contingent and military vehicles from the Bophuthatswana Defence Force. At 11.45 hrs there was the Official Opening Ceremony of the Mafikeng Centenary Celebrations at the Rugby Stadium. This included an impressive display of precision drill by the Defence force.
During the afternoon all the foreign delegates and the senior B.S.S.A. representatives were entertained to afternoon tea by Mr and Mrs Mincham at their historic old home. The Mincham's and their friends went to considerable trouble to stage an old-time English tea party, which was a new experience for most of the foreign guests. Tables laid with the finest bone china and silverware (including silver teapots) were arranged on the green Lawns under shady trees. The food even included cucumber sandwiches! The warmth of the hosts contributed to a most enjoyable occasion. After tea, Mrs Mincham took the guests for a walk along the banks of the Molopo River to see the ruins of the Missionary Station established in the area, including the old church which is still standing.
In the evening 20 senior members of the foreign delegations were the Guests of the Mayor of Mafikeng at the Centenary Banquet given at the Mmabatho Sun Hotel in honour of the occasion. Speakers included the two Government Ministers of Education and of Public Works. Other delegates could attend a Choral Festival given by five African Choirs at the Civic Centre.
Tuesday, 12 March
After a briefing on the forthcoming ceremony by Mr Sam Mathlako, the buses departed for the Baralong Village where the President of Bophuthatswana, Kgosi Lucas Mangope, unveiled a memorial to the members of the Baralong tribe who died during the Siege. The programme included singing by school choirs and dancing by schoolchildren in traditional dress.
After a free afternoon for sightseeing and shopping, all the delegations attended the Camporee Camp Fire at Cooke's Lake. The Camporee staff kindly entertained the guests to supper after they had had an opportunity to wander around the camp chatting to the campers. An unusual campfire item was that performed by the Hong Kong Scouts who staged a mime with recorded singing in the style of Chinese opera.
Wednesday, 13 March
At 10.00 hrs the foreign guests left Mafikeng railway station on a train pulled by a steam engine for Ottoshoop. Owing to the virtual disappearance of steam trains overseas, this was a popular outing. At Ottoshoop the party strolled down the long main street, visiting the old Post Office and guided by Mrs Mincham, a tour over the cemetery. Ottoshoop was the springboard for Jameson's Raid into the Transvaal after they had left Mafikeng and in addition was one of the first gold mining areas in the Transvaal. The cemetery contains the grave of the first miner killed underground in the Transvaal.
The afternoon was spent on a tour of some of the siege-works guided by Mrs Mincham who is regarded as an authority on the Siege. Her knowledge of the history of Mafikeng and the Siege contributed to most enjoyable afternoon.
In the early evening the Chairman and Committee of the Mafikeng Club, which is still housed in the same building it occupied during the Siege, invited the adult male members of the delegations to a splendid braaivleis at the Club. After chatting and examining the relics displayed in the clubhouse, the party adjourned outside for delicious steaks and beer. Later in the evening, after his arrival at Mmabatho airport, the Secretary-General, Mr Laszlo Nagy, joined the party. The ladies attended the Pageant performed by massed schoolchildren in the Rugby Stadium.
Thursday, 14 march
At 05.00 hrs, 20 V.I.P. Scout guests left by bus for a visit to the mine operated by the Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd at Rustenburg. The size of the party was limited by the number of guests invited by the mine management. After a tour of the surface plant, the mine management entertained the party to lunch in the Mine Club.
During the late afternoon, the bus continued on to Sun Cit where the party spent the night. Those member's of the foreign delectations who were not at Sun City visited the Camporee to watch the 'Camporee Capers' programme.
Friday, 15 march
Those members of the overseas Scout Associations who remained at Mafikeng left early by bus for Sun City where they joined the Mine party for breakfast. The whole group then left for a drive through the Pilansberg National Park which was created and stocked with game by the Bophuthatswana Government. The Park is situated in an ancient volcanic crater and has open plains, thickly wooded ravines and steep mountain slopes. There are over 35 species of large mammals and over 300 species of birds in the Park. The occupants of one bus saw a most interesting film on the stocking of the Park.
One of the highlights of the week took place on Friday 15 March in the Mmabatho Sun Hotel. This was the Scouting Banquet which was invited all the Scout V.I.P.s the members of delegations from the Camporee, the senior members of the B.S.S.A. in Mafikeng and the senior staff from the Camporee. We were also pleased to have the Chief Commissioner of the Girl Guide Association, Mrs Nedea Hussey, and other Guiders with us on this great occasion. Some 200 persons were present. The evening commenced with cocktails in an anteroom where the Chief Scout presented Jeffrey McQueen of 1st White River Scout Group with his Chief Scout's Award in the presence of the assembled guests.
The high point of the evening was the presentation to Mr Vic Clapham of the Silver Fox Award for his contribution to World Scouting by Mr Don Deacon, Chief Commissioner of the Boy Scouts of Canada. This Award, which was thoroughly deserved, was greeted with prolonged applause by all those present.
Minister Holele deputised for the President of Bophuthatswana who was unable to be present. After excellent speeches had been delivered Mr Carveth Geach, Dr Allan Warren (Leader of the U.K. Delegation), Mr Laszlo Nagy (Secretary-General), and the Minister, the Chief Scout made presentations on behalf of the Boy Scouts of South Africa to Mr and Mrs Allen of Mmabatho Communications; Mr Jacob Lekoalersoe (Camporee Chief and Scout Centenary organiser in Mafikeng); Dr George Dehlen (Area Commissioner, Northern Transvaal); Mr John Calmeyer (Camporee Organiser); Mr Winston Adams (Scout Organiser during the Centenary) and to the Leaders of the foreign Scout Associations delegations. The Leaders of the various delegations in turn presented the Boy Scouts of South Africa with gifts as tokens of appreciation for the hospitality received.
To the regret of all present, the President of the B.S.S.A., Dr Sam Motsuenyane, was unable to attend the Banquet owing to a prior commitment in the United States. We were, however, delighted to have him with us for two days earlier in the week.
The Banquet was an outstanding success with a warm atmosphere of Scout fellowship excellent speeches, good food, and first-class company.
This Flame representing 'The Spirit of Scouting' was lit on 16th March 1985. In the presence of Representatives of National Scout Associations from around the world during the Mafikeng Centenary Celebrations by Dr. Laszlo Nagy, Secretary General of the World Scout Movement and was dedicated by the Right Reverend George Alfred Swartz, Lord Bishop of Kimberley and Kuruman, to commemorate the association of the Founder of the Scout Movement, Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell with Mafikeng during the Siege of 1899.
The courage and responsible behaviour of the boys of the cadet Corp during the Siege helped germinate the seed that led to the founding of the Boy Scout Movement.
The lighting of the permanent Flame of Friendship
Saturday 16 March
The climax of the week long Celebrations was the lighting of the permanent Flame of Friendship by the Secretary-General of the World Scout Bureau from the torch that started its lone journey by road and by ship from London forty-two days previously. It was borne by some 1 000 Scouts on its overland journey.
The Chief Scout took the salute as more than 700 Scouts and Guides from the Camporee marched past and then paraded in the street in front of the black granite monument that houses the permanent Flame. Also present on the platform was the Mayor of Mafikeng, Councillor Syd Gordon; Minister Holele and the Secretary-General, Mr Laszlo Nagy.
Soon the Scout runners with the torch arrived and in front of the large excited crowed of Scouts and the public handed the Flame to the Secretary-General who then mounted a ladder and lit the permanent 'Flame of Friendship' in the monument. The Rt Reverend George Swartz Lord Bishop of Kimberley and Kuruman dedicated the Flame and Monument in the presence of the President of Bophuthatswana, Kgosi Lucas Mangope, members of his Cabinet, and other distinguished Guests.
The lighting of the Flame of Friendship was a significant moment for the Boy Scouts of South Africa. Here in Mafikeng, gathered to watch the Ceremony, was the largest gathering Scouters and Scouts from different countries ever to visit our shores. The far-flung corners of the World were represented - Australasia, the Far East, the Near East, Europe, and the Americas - all assembled in the brotherhood of Scouting to acknowledge the link between Mafikeng and the founding of the World Scout Movement. Their presence also indicated friendship with the Boy Scouts Of South Africa.
The Flame of Friendship, which will burn continuously through the generosity of African Oxygen, is housed in a handsome black granite monument in the Town Square of Mafikeng. Etched in gold in front of the monument is the World Scout Badge. The monument and Flame stands as a symbol of World Scouting and will no doubt be of interest to visitors to the town for years to come.
The Public Camp Fire at the Scout Camporee on Saturday evening, which was followed by a fireworks display at the Mmabatho Sun Hotel, marked the last official event of the Centenary Celebrations. On Sunday, 17 March, after a formal Flag Raising Ceremony at the Camporee, the foreign delegations set off for Johannesburg as the first stage of their long journey home. Some delegations, like the Republic of China, arranged tours. The United States delegation spent a few, days in the Lowveld before proceeding to Cape Town until the end of the week. During their visit to the Mother City, they attended a magnificent garden party given by the Cape West Region of the Girl Guides Association to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of' the Girl Guide Movement. The spectacular setting of Leeuwenhof, the official residence of the Administrator of the Cape; the friendly atmosphere; and the Band of the S.A. Navy contributed to the success of the occasion.
Mafikeng Centenary Camporee
9 - 17 March 1985 Cook's Lake Mafikeng
The Scout Camporee formed an important part of the Scouting participation in the Centenary Celebrations. The Area Commissioner for Northern Transvaal, Dr George Dehlen; The President, Mr Keith McCusker and particularly the Asst Area Comm. for Scout Training, Mr John Calmeyer who meticulously planned the Camporee are to be congratulated on the success of the Camp. Ably assisted by the Organising Committee and staff at the Camporee, the achievement was all the more noteworthy owing to the limited planning period and the inexperience in camping of the Bophuthatswana Scouts who formed the bulk of the campers.
Preparations for the Camporee included two weekend courses in camping to train the inexperienced Scouters and Patrol Leaders from Bophuthatswana. Field Commissioner Mr Jacob Lekoeletsoe also deserves thanks for his preparatory work in Mafikeng for the Camporee and for his role as Camp Chief.
Each Area was invited to send two Patrols at the cost of the Centenary Organisers to participate in the Camporee. In addition there were Scouts and Venturers from the Republic of China, Hong Kong and for part of the time, from Australia in Camp. An additional contingent from Northern Transvaal Area came down for the weekend.
An interesting programme was arranged which besides camp events included visits to Centenary events. Full details are available in the first rate planning manual prepared by John Calmeyer. Two major Camp Fires were held, one of which was open to the public. Apart from two thunderstorms which caused flooding of the tents and general disruption, there were no major problems. Many of the foreign visitors were impressed with the standard of camping, one remarking that he had made a resolution to up-grade the camping skills of his Venture Scouts back home.
Conclusion
This unusual occasion provided the opportunity for representatives of overseas Scout Associations to see and hear what the Boy Scouts of South Africa has achieved and is striving to achieve in the role of building bridges between the youth of different race groups. This is equally applicable to the Girl Guide Association, which had Guides of all races participating in the Camporee. In addition, at Mafikeng and in their travels to other parts of the country, the delegations were able to assess the situation in Bophuthatswana and in South Africa for themselves and to draw their own conclusion. We have made many friends who in the future will be able, in their own Scout Associations, to put the case for the Boy Scouts of South Africa - its problems and its achievements.
An outstanding event and a milestone in the history of the B.S.S.A.
Finally, I should like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Town Council of Mafikeng for its Generous financial assistance, and to Mr. and Mrs. John Allen of Mmabatho Communications who played such a major role in our participation.
Colin Inglis
Chief Scout
April 1985
