Rover SARSI: 1986 Report
Suikerbosrand, Transvaal: SARSI '86
8 to 11 MAY 1986
After a long 17 hour journey in four 10 seater buses the Cape Western Contingent of 38 Rovers arrived at Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve the base for SARSI - 86.
There were 80 Rovers present and I was pleased to meet old friends from Natal and the Transvaal who had attended 12th SARSI - 82 in Cape Town, as a matter of fact, there were 12 Rovers including those from Cape Western who were there in 1982.
Friday was a day for activities and our first visit was to the ERPM Gold Mine where we also enjoyed their hospitality at lunch. In the afternoon we visited Gold Reef City especially built to celebrate the 100th Birthday of Johannesburg.
At 5pm we arrived at Gilwell in Florida for the official opening ceremony of SARSI - 86. A most impressive ceremony with each Crew presenting their Shield and Flag to register their attendance. The Guest Speaker was Carveth Geach, a former Rover and Chief Scout who formally opened SARSI - 86.
From Gilwell we went to the Johannesburg Zoo for a nocturnal visit to the animals and from there we started on our Travelling Dinner - Soup at Emarentia Crew, Main Course and Sweets at Bedford View Crew.
Saturday was set aside for the INDABA when many interesting items were presented including the all important "Image of Rovering for the next 10 years". Crews were divided into 8 discussion groups and the report back indicated some enthusiastic and deep think¬ing ideas that Rovers have about their future position in the Scouting Structure, and resolutions will be framed for submission to S.A.H.Q.
The weekend was not all work and no play. Many new friendships were made and we even discovered that we had a pop group in Walmer Estate Crew, who led the singing when celebrating the 5th birthday of the Monte Vista Crew around the braai fire.
Sunday morning we enjoyed a simple but sincere "Rovers' Own". The INDABA was concluded with the proposals for the resolutions. The general feeling was that 4 years would be too long for us to get together again and it was agreed that the continuity of Rovering in South Africa means closer and more often meeting with each other; the overwhelming result is that a "National Rover Moot" be held in 1988 hosted by Cape Western and SARSI - 90 be held in Natal.
Last but not least, we would all want to give a big BRAVO to Transvaal Area for their organisation of SARSI - 86.
THANKS
Ed Rose
Asst. Area Commissioner Rovers
Ack: Cape Western Scouter, July 1986
Scout Heritage 2018