Africa's youth leaders gather in SA - 2nd Africa Scout Moot

The 2nd Africa Scout Moot in Arrowe Park kicked off with a vibrant ceremony celebrating Africa’s next generation of youth leaders.

Hosted by SCOUTS South Africa on behalf of World Scouting Africa, the Moot brings together close to 500 young adults from over 40 countries. Over the coming week, the young leaders will embark on the ultimate Mzansi adventure, exploring Johannesburg, embracing cultural exchange, and developing the skills, confidence and international partnerships needed to lead meaningful change in their communities.

The colourful opening ceremony celebrated the diversity and unity of Scouting through a vibrant flag parade, performances by local youth, and inspiring addresses from Scouting leaders.

Welcoming Rovers to South Africa, Chief Scout Khonzaphi Mdaka emphasised the importance of bringing young leaders from around the continent together to grow in unity. “Arrowe Park will become much more than a campsite. It will become a home. A place where strangers become friends, where different languages somehow find common ground, where cultures are shared with curiosity rather than judgement, and where we discover, once again, that what connects us is far greater than what separates us.” Addressing the hundreds of Rovers gathered before him, Chief Scout Mdaka challenged them to recognise their potential to shape Africa’s future. “Scouting matters most when the world feels uncertain. This Movement has always believed that hope is something we create through action, that courage is a choice, that service changes communities, and that young people are not simply the leaders of tomorrow, but that they are making a difference today. When I look around this gathering, I don’t just see Rovers. I see people who will shape communities, lead businesses, classrooms, hospitals, projects and governments. Leadership is not about being in front. It is about lifting others up.”

Speaking on behalf of the Africa Scout Committee, Vice-Chairperson Leonilde Lima echoed the sentiments of Chief Scout Mdaka and encouraged Rovers present to see themselves not as future leaders, but as leaders already capable of transforming the continent. “Society may continue to call you the leaders of tomorrow, but Africa cannot afford to wait for tomorrow. You are leaders today! Scouting has prepared you for this moment.” She further encouraged the Rovers to take Scouting beyond camps and ceremonies by leading in three key areas: leadership, skills and innovation, and cooperation across borders. “The friendships formed here must become more than photographs and social media connections. They must become meaningful partnerships that deliver positive development across Africa and beyond. Our ambitions must cross borders.”

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Frédéric Tutu Kama-Kama, Regional Director for World Scouting Africa, challenged participants to live the Moot theme, “Phezulu Nangaphezulu” (“Higher and Higher”), by striving for greater service, stronger leadership and lasting impact in their communities. I encourage you to go “Higher and higher”, not only in the adventures you will experience, but higher in your ambitions, higher in your service, higher in your leadership and higher in the standards you set for yourselves and the world around you.” He further emphasised that leadership is measured not by titles but by action, and that while Africa faces significant challenges, it is also home to a generation equipped to solve them. “When I look at you, I do not see a generation that should be afraid. I see a generation that is creative, connected, courageous and ready to act. Leadership is accepting responsibility. Leadership is choosing to act when others remain silent. Leadership is having the courage to say, ‘I may not be able to solve every problem, but I will do something about the problem in front of me.'” Dr Kama Kama encouraged Rovers to return home ready to transform what they learn during the Moot into projects that strengthen communities and advance the Sustainable Development Goals. “Let every friendship become a partnership, let every idea become a project, and every project contribute to a better and more sustainable world.”

Throughout the week, the Rovers will travel in international teams, experiencing the natural beauty, cultures and communities within the greater Johannesburg area. They will also participate in Scout skills and digital technology workshops, cultural celebrations and community engagement activities designed to prepare them for lives of active citizenship and service, aligned with the aims and goals of World Scouting’s Messengers of Peace initiative supporting the event.

As Africa’s next generation of leaders begin their journey together, the message from the Opening Ceremony was clear: the future of the continent will be shaped not only by governments and institutions, but by young people who choose to serve, lead and work together across borders. Phezulu Nangaphezulu. Higher and Higher.