Written by: Marianne Pace

For the fourth year running the KwaZulu-Natal Scouts put up an excellent stand at the eThekwini Sustainable Living Exhibition, held recently in Durban. Visitors to the exhibition were exposed to innovations and initiatives related to energy efficiency and renewable energy, waste minimisation and recycling, water harvesting and conservation, food gardening, climate change adaption and mitigation, biodiversity protection, green home improvements and of course the wonderfully exciting world of Scouting!

Over 200 exhibitors showcased everything from solar equipment to rain water harvesting tanks.  During the three days well over 10 000 people attended, many  stopping at the Scouts exhibit  which was very interactive and attracted the interest of young and old.

Left to right: Bindu Singh, Phindile Masubela and Louise Potgieter with one of the many school groups. Photo: Steve Camp.

The KwaZulu-Natal Scout display was organised by Louise Potgieter, Troop Scouter of 52nd Durban Sea Scouts. “The interest from the public was amazing. We had many young kids who were attracted to the idea of becoming a Scout by seeing the fantastic Scouting adventure photographic displays we had on show. Then of course lots of interest from past Scouts, who were very happy to hear that scouting was flourishing in KZN!”, she explains.

“We handed out many brochures about Scouting to people attending the show and we hope that it will translate into lots of new members,” said Phindile Masubela, KZN Headquarters shop assistant, who was one of the many Scouting people helping to man the stand.

“Exhibitions are the best face-to-face marketing opportunity for SCOUTS South Africa. These types of public exhibitions allow us to very effectively raise the profile of Scouting across all sectors,” said Steve Camp, KZN Regional Commissioner. “We are fortunate to have so many dedicated adult Scouting leaders who under the leadership of Louise Potgieter made this professional looking Scouting display a reality,” he added.

Left to right: Bindu Singh, Phindile Masubela and Louise Potgieter with one of the many school groups who were keen to learn more about Scouts. Photo: Steve Camp.