Eswatini hosts Southern Africa Scout Youth Forum and Zonal Conference
Scouts from Southern Africa gathered in Manzini, Eswatini, for the 20th Southern Africa Scout Youth Forum and the 49th Southern Africa Zonal Conference. Held under the theme “Embracing diversity and unity by empowering every young voice,” the events marked an important step towards strengthening Scouting in Southern Africa and preparing for the Zone’s 50th anniversary in 2027.
The theme builds on outcomes from the 19th Africa Scout Conference in Madagascar, which highlighted the evolving role of young people in Scouting, from participation to leadership.
Young voices at the centre
Fifteen young people from seven countries: Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and host Eswatini, took part in the Youth Forum. Through interactive sessions and open discussions, participants explored how National Scout Organisations can better support youth leadership.
Discussions focused on how youth programmes can become responsive to today’s challenges and equip young people with the skills to lead in a rapidly changing world. Participants also shared their experiences through Scouts for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiatives, highlighting how young people are already taking action in their communities.
Young people called for safer, more inclusive spaces within Scouting, and committed to playing an active role in creating them. The forum closed with shared commitments to lead this change within their own organisations. The forum concluded with a community visit to Hope House in Manzini, a hospice and palliative care centre supporting people living with terminal illnesses. Scouts volunteered their time to support the centre, putting Scouting values into action through service. Reflecting on the experience, Innocent from Zimbabwe shared:
Strengthening the Movement
Running alongside the Youth Forum, more than 50 delegates gathered for the Zonal Conference to review progress and set priorities for the years ahead. Discussions focused on strengthening National Scout Organizations and aligning regional efforts with the Africa Scout Region’s Triennial Plan. Key areas included improving governance, expanding membership, enhancing youth programmes, advancing Scouts for SDGs, and strengthening Safe from Harm practices.
A significant step forward was the commitment to make future Zonal Conferences safer and more inclusive. This includes mandatory Safe from Harm training for all delegates and the introduction of dedicated listening ears during events. These measures align Zonal events with World Scouting standards, ensuring a safe and consistent experience for all participants.
The conference also resolved to strengthen collaboration in disaster preparedness and response. This includes building the capacities of National Scout Organizations and integrating these efforts into youth programmes, ensuring young people are equipped with the necessary skills. This resolution enhances the responsiveness of Scouting while ensuring that youth programmes reflect these critical competencies.
Looking ahead to 2027
The conference also marked an important moment of reflection and preparation as the region looks towards its 50th anniversary in 2027. Botswana was confirmed as the next host for the milestone celebrations. Pioneer members of the Zone were also invited to share their experiences, highlighting key milestones over the last four decades, including the first conference in Namibia, the introduction of the Zonal Advisor system, and the growth of exchange programmes that continue to strengthen collaboration across the region.
The events were attended by members of the Africa Scout Committee, national leaders, and partners, including Eswatini’s Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, who officiated the opening ceremony. Eswatini was recognised for hosting the events in close collaboration with the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Eswatini National Youth Council.