Mzamo Ncube is no stranger to the Scout Movement. From growing up as a Scout in the KZN Scouting-in-Schools Channel, to becoming an adult volunteer within the same KZN Schools Channel in various roles such as Troop Scouter, Assistant Pack Scouter and Scouts Digital Scout Group Manager at the 1st Grantham Park Scout Group in the school where he teaches. In addition to providing Scouting adventures to his learners, Mzamo also served as the KZN Regional Young Leaders Representative and Youth Influencer. Now, he has taken his service one step further as a member of the National Adult Awards Committee.
“My Scouting journey began in 2008 when I was 11 years old and doing Grade 6 at Phesheya Primary, a local school in Ngwelezane, KZN. I joined voluntarily as a young boy after seeing a Troop at my school in full uniform. I was so impressed! As I attended the first camp with my Troop, I was exposed to a whole new different world which made me stay active all these years. As a Scout, PLTU was the greatest career highlight! It was also the reason that I got to spend my first New Years’ Eve away from home, for a total of 11 consecutive nights from the 31st of December 2012 to the 12th of January 2013”, he explains.
Volunteer awards serve to give thanks to all those who do good deeds.
“Growing up, I was exposed to a lot of skills and practices, which developed me in countless ways. SCOUTS South Africa refers to their areas of development as SPICES – meaning Spiritually, Personally, Intellectually, in Character and Creativity, Emotionally and Socially. When I think back on some of the more challenging activities I experienced, but also then some of the most rewarding, my Springbok camp and my mayor skills construction project come to mind. They were the first most challenging activities I had ever organised. They took place more than 180km away from my Scout District. Years went by and my love for camping was outweighed by a newfound passion for volunteering ‘behind the scenes’. I’ve always been interested in being part of those who prepare programmes, for Scouters to take-and-use. Prior to my current role on the National Awards Committee, I was proud to serve as the KZN Young Leaders Rep. My favourite memory was hosting the first KZN Regional Youth Forum.
Receiving his Springbok Award
In my opinion, the existence of volunteer awards is highly necessary, as they serve to give thanks to all those who do good deeds. Awards also encourage volunteers to keep up the good work, as far as their Scouting roles, and beyond, are concerned.” When asked how important it is for young people to be represented on Awards Committees he didn’t mince his words. “It is of great significance, as young people barely receive recognition, especially for their Meritorious Conduct and Acts of Gallantry. By having a Young Leader in each of the Awards Committees, the perspectives of more senior and young leaders can be explored and ensured.”
So, who can apply for an award? “All registered Scout Groups are strongly encouraged to apply or nominate any eligible candidate for relevant awards for their volunteers. This can be done anytime during the year. The Recognition and Awards Policy and its Guidelines are the best resources to visit, available on the SCOUTS SA website. Anybody can nominate anybody else for an award. Merit Awards need to be sent to the Regional Commissioner, or your Regional Awards Committee, and Service Awards go to serviceawards@scouts.org.za.”
As a volunteer in a more administrative role Mzamo has been able to develop his communication and admin skills. “Lawrence Stanton is my former superior with strong leadership traits and by experiencing his leadership, he has shared them with me. I’ve been gradually developing my ethical level of communicating with youth members, my peers as well as adults. My ability to format documents was enhanced through Rovering, when I had to create report documents. Looking at my Food For Life report from 2016, versus my SCOUTS of the World Award report from 2022, I’m confident to say that my MS Office skills have been elevated higher than expected. Another reason why I love Scouting is because there is a vast range of age groups in the Movement, which indicates that there is no age limit for joining Scouting. The same can be said with regards to gender, religious denomination, or race, just to name a few. Scouting has given me an opportunity to engage with my peers, to more than adequately develop across multiple aspects of life. My life has been positively changing every day, via support structures of mentors at our disposal.”