Dear members of SCOUTS South Africa,

Our current Chief Scout Mr. Khonzaphi Mdaka’s term is coming to an end at the end of February 2027.  To ensure a smooth transition, and to facilitate an open and transparent process, the Scout Board is calling for members of SCOUTS South Africa to nominate individuals to fulfil the role of Chief Scout.

The role calls for an individual with natural leadership and communication skills.  This is a volunteer leadership role, therefore the individual needs to understand and commit to a servant leadership model.  The nature of the organisation requires the person to have the ability to engage and align members from different social and economic backgrounds to the values and strategic objectives of Scouting.

A minimum of 10 years of adult volunteer experience within SCOUTS South Africa is required.  National or Regional leadership experience is advantageous.

What the role entails:

View the Role Description here.

Characteristics expected of a Chief Scout:

• Someone who is well-regarded and respected within the South African community, and who has recent, relevant experience in Scouting.
• A person who has earned the trust and respect of a broad cross-section of both current and former members of the Movement.
• Demonstrated, hands-on experience and a solid track record in active Scouting- while being registered on Scouts.Digital.
• A clear understanding of, and practical experience in applying, the Aims and Methods of Scouting in the South African context.
• Professionally grounded, with a stable career in a leadership or management role, and a proven ability to lead people effectively.
• An individual who lives with integrity and purpose, and who genuinely reflects the values of the Scout Law and Promise.
• Able to communicate confidently in public and within governance structures, while also handling conflict, disciplinary matters, and supporting both volunteers and staff with maturity.
• Someone who can articulate a clear and compelling vision for the future of Scouting in a transforming South Africa.
• Independent in thought and judgement and not aligned in a way that could create political, economic, or ideological conflicts of interest.

The process:

Nomination:

Apart from the Boards authority to identify suitable persons for this position it was agreed by the Board to also call for nominations as follows:

1. Nominations to be supported by a Proposer and Seconder together with a motivation and Scouting CV. Please note that in order to nominate and to second you must be an SD registered member of SCOUTS South Africa and be in good standing.
2. Find Nomination form here.
3. Nominations to be lodged with the secretary of the Board, who is the current CEO, by 21 October 2026 at 12:00 noon [email protected]
4. CEO to collate nominations and submit ALL nominations to Board Chairman by 31 October 2026.

Appointment:

1. Board Chairman to notify Board Members in confidence of nominations.
2. Board Chairman to convene a sub-committee of the Board to short list applications.
3. Sub Committee to interview short listed candidates.
4. Final recommendations submitted to the Board for appointment.
5. Appointment of new Chief Scout announced to SCOUTS SA membership.

Yours in Scouting,

Sandile Tshabalala
Board Chairman
SCOUTS South Africa