Africa Scout Day 2026
Since 2018, South African Scouts have been part of a global drive to encourage young people to take local actions for worldwide change. Following the launch of the Scouts for SDGs initiative by World Scouting and the United Nations, SCOUTS South Africa reviewed its programmes and intentionally aligned them with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Today, every branch of the Movement engages with the Goals through advancement activities, community service, and annual National Challenges, while members can earn SDG and National Challenge badges by completing age-appropriate requirements and taking meaningful action in their communities. These efforts ensure that the SDGs are not an add-on to Scouting, but a living expression of the Scout Promise and Law.
Eastern Cape South Region
Within Scouting, young people follow a skilled-based advancement programme where they learn by doing. Additionally, the interest and challenge badge programmes encourage them to explore new interests and gain new experiences. Aligned to these programmes, a new National Challenge is given to Scouting members every year.
Mpumalanga Region
The National Challenges have provided a practical pathway for young people to explore the Goals. The 2019 challenge introduced badges addressing zero hunger, good health and well-being, and quality education. In 2020, the focus expanded to gender equality and climate action, while subsequent challenges explored clean water, renewable energy, sustainable communities, solar power, nature conservation, heritage, and, most recently, water safety. Through these experiences, Scouts learn not only about global issues but also about the power they possess to create solutions close to home.
Western Cape Region
Across the country, Scout Groups have translated these themes into action. Food gardens and feeding initiatives have strengthened food security and advanced the goal of zero hunger. Health and well-being projects—from community awareness campaigns to the current “Be Water Safe” initiative—have equipped young people with life-saving knowledge while promoting healthier communities. Educational projects, mentoring programmes, and heritage activities have fostered lifelong learning and a deeper appreciation of South Africa’s rich diversity. Efforts to promote inclusion and respect have given practical expression to gender equality, while recycling drives, clean-ups, solar-energy projects, and conservation activities have empowered Scouts to become champions for climate action and environmental stewardship. Together, these projects illustrate how young people are building a more just, resilient, and sustainable future through everyday acts of service.
Eight years on, the impact is clear: South African Scouts are not waiting for change to happen. They are leading it—earning badges, completing challenges, and serving their communities in ways that advance the SDGs and inspire others to do the same. Through Scouts for SDGs, thousands of young South Africans continue to prove that small local actions, repeated with commitment and compassion, can indeed change the world.