Source: Forbes Africa
We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Sam Motsuenyane. Dr Motsuenyane, founder of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce, which conceived the birth of the African Bank, is known for his dedication to helping others and building our country’s economy.
What is less known, however as impactful on the lives of thousands of children and youth nationwide, is that Dr Motsuenyane was also the first National President of the united Boy Scouts of South Africa in 1977. Prior to 1977, due to the political climate at the time, there were four Scout Associations in South Africa. On the 2nd of July 1977, the new Constitution uniting the four Associations into one single organisation, the Boy Scouts of South Africa, was adopted. Dr Motsuenyane, a Scout since 1936 and President of the African Scout Association, was elected National President of the Boy Scouts of South Africa.
1978 BSSA Council meeting
Under his guidance, and with the support of the then Chief Scout Garnet de la Hunt, the Boy Scouts of South Africa was able to grow and unify youth and volunteers nationwide, regardless of race or socio-economic circumstances. In 1991 he was awarded the Scouting Order of the Silver Springbok.
During his time in office Dr Motsuenyane led delegations of Scouting members to international Scouting events, such as the World Scout Conference in Munich, Germany in 1985 and the World Scout Conference in Dearborn, Michigan USA in 1983.
It is clear to all who knew him that he was a great man of integrity, who embodied the Scout values and lived his life according to the Scout Law. We are grateful for his contribution to the growth and development of Scouting in South Africa. Dr Sam Motsuenyane has left our world a better place than how he found it.
We are keeping his family, colleagues and friends in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.