You will have seen or heard of social media and more recently press articles regarding the initiative to “Save the Durbanville Scout Property”.

The Western Cape Region of SCOUTS South Africa has over the past years built a strong working relationship with the City of Cape Town in regard to our leased and owned properties. We enjoy good support and cooperation from the City officials around these.

Unfortunately, the City has embarked on a programme of selling off a few thousand viable (development potential) properties within their property portfolio.  The 1st Durbanville Scout property was flagged at the end of 2020 within the City’s strategy. We were advised it will be sold by auction and the Group’s lease would only be extended till end December 2022.

Western Cape Regional representatives and the Scout Group’s parents committee have been engaging with the City and local councillor regarding both purchasing the property and querying the loss of a long-standing Community supported Scouting facility which has been improved, carefully maintained and planned for further youth camping, training, and activities. They also reiterated the value-add Scouting brings to the Durbanville community with regards to the development of youth, leadership and skills. This has not changed the situation regarding the planned intention to auction the property to the highest bidder.

Whilst the Group has embarked on a fundraising appeal, as a volunteer driven fee based NPO SCOUTS South Africa does not have the resources to compete with developers and profit based interested parties, and thus feels that the loss of this facility and the manner of disposal should be challenged.

The Scout Group has launched a petition to garner Community support for an appeal to the City to reassess their decisions and process in respect of this property.  Scouting members are passionate about the benefits and value Scouting brings to the community and are supporting the plans to “Save the Durbanville grounds”. Scouting representatives will continue to work with the City to find a more equitable solution.

SCOUTS South Africa is a volunteer driven independent, non-profit organisation 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 that will equip members to be of service to others and to their communities.

SCOUTS South Africa is affiliated to the World Organisation of Scout Movements has been developing good citizens and strong leaders for over 114 years. There are over 5000 adult volunteers and over 90 000 youth members across South Africa.

Paddy Milner
Regional Commissioner
SCOUTS South Africa