A Scout is a Friend to All and a Brother to Every Other Scout
Many of us have been horrified by the senseless violence that we have witnessed on our streets, on our televisions and in our country.
As our late patron, Mr Nelson Mandela wrote: “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
But we are a movement of action and not just ideas and so, this is a call to action for all of our Scouts and Scouters in South Africa, not as a political statement, but as Messengers of Peace and as members of an organisation that promotes good citizenship and accepts all members of society for whom they are.
I am calling on you to do your part by:
- Supporting, where you can, those people displaced by the violence and attacks, either with food and supplies or by providing physical help with the growing issues of hygiene and warmth for people who have relocated to places of safety ;
- Engaging with those you come into contact with, in the office, at home and elsewhere to spread the message of the peaceful brotherhood of Scouting. This is a discussion we need to have as people of South Africa if we are to progress and realise the potential that our great nation presents.
In parting, remember the words of Lord Baden Powell, “we Scouts count ourselves a brotherhood despite the difference among us of country, creed, or class. We realize that in addition to the interests of our particular country, there is a higher mission before us, namely the promotion of the Kingdom of God; That is, the rule of Peace and Goodwill on earth. In the Scouts each form of religion is respected and its active practice encouraged and through the spread of our brotherhood in all countries, we have the opportunity in developing the spirit of mutual good will and understanding.”
Dr Brendon Hausberger
Chief Commissioner
SCOUTS South Africa
