We are honoured to announce the appointment of Dr Dudley R Forde to the Governing Board of SCOUTS South Africa.
Dr Forde has a great understanding of the Scout philosophy and values, of the power of Baden Powell’s Patrol System, Learning by doing and the value of the voluntary acceptance of a code of conduct.
He joined the Movement in 1958. A year later he became Troop Scouter of the Sea Scout Group at 2nd Durban YMCA. In 1962 he became an Assistant District Commissioner in South Durban, was Area Commissioner for KZN Scouting and also an Assistant Deputy Camp Chief and Deputy Camp Chief on the Southern Zone Training Team. He later led the training team in the then Natal Division, he also held National appointments as National Training Commissioner, SAHQ Adult Leader Training Commissioner (two terms) and also Chief Scout’s Commissioner.
Dr Forde was instrumental in designing and initiating the Patrol Leaders Training Unit course which is still being implemented today in various regions. “In a world aware of the importance of value-laden Leadership in so many aspects of our lives, the development of leaders is surely one of Scouting’s greatest potential contributions to society. Well run, a PLTU course can contribute significantly to that ideal,” he explains. When asked about the role Scouting plays in our modern day society Dr Forde says “From its earliest days, Scouting proved itself as a unique vehicle for enhancing developmental opportunities for all people. Whilst formal education in South Africa continues to struggle to provide quality developmental opportunities to all its young citizens, Scouting can play an important role in the non-formal education sector in the development of the characters of young people, preparing them for their participation as citizens in the future, and providing valuable skills for a fulfilled life.”
For his service to the Scouting Movement he has been awarded with the Medal of Merit, the Long Service Medal, the Order of the Silver Protea and the highest Awards within SCOUTS South Africa, being the Silver Springbok. In April 2011 Dr Forde was named Counsellor of the Order of the Baobab by President Jacob Zuma for his services to Education and Scouting.
Dr R. Dudley Forde served as a teacher at Maritzburg College, a Headmaster at St Andrew’s Welkom, Bellair Primary School, Kingsway High School, Maritzburg College and Durban High School and was Rector at Michaelhouse until 2001 when he retired. He also served as S.E. [M] in the Natal Education Department, lectured at the University of UKZN and assisted as an External Examiner for Rhodes University. He has had several books published on Leadership and Leadership Development and sat on a number of School Boards and Trusts.
“SCOUTS South Africa welcomes Dr Forde’s insight and extensive experience within the Scouting Movement and we are excited to have him on our Governing Board,” says CEO Milly Siebrits.
SCOUTS South Africa is an independent, non-profit educational movement dedicated to the development of young people in achieving their full potential as individuals and responsible citizens. Central in this programme is a continuous transference of values such as honesty, loyalty, responsibility, respect; all aimed at governing individual behaviour and the development of strong leadership skills.
For more information: email ceo@scouts.org.za or pr@scouts.org.za.