The first sighting of Lucky Bembe in Scouting Mpumalanga was by Charlie Baty and Dee Chandler at a Scout parade at Msogwaba school near Kanyamazane township. Lucky was a tiny cub aged 8, hidden behind a huge drum that he was playing with all his power.

Lucky grew up with his grandmother, a traditional healer, in Pienaar. She was not wealthy but made sure that Lucky had everything that he needed. He remembers her lovingly and recalls that she tried her very best for him.

He schooled at Msogwaba primary and this is where he joined the Cubs and then later moved up to Scouts. His Scouter, Mr Antony Sandleni took Lucky under his wing and played an important role in moulding Lucky to the man he is today. Later, when he went to high school, Lucky started a Scout troop at the school. This high school was renowned for student riots and unruly behavior, but the Scouts turned the atmosphere at the school around and played a positive role in changing the success of the school.

Directly after Matric Lucky made his first working trip to Germany as part of the Aktion Tagwerk infomobile. He returned again in 2008 for 7 months and travelled widely in Germany promoting Scouting, South Africa and encouraging German youth to take part in the day of action fundraising project. Singing and Gumboot dancing, Lucky made many friends in Germany and took part in many camps and activities, including attending the woodbadge course.

Extending his Scouting experience Lucky travelled to Rwanda and attended the Africa Youth conference where he was elected as a committee member. Recently he attended the Africa region conference in Kenya where CEO’s and Chief Scouts from all African countries gathered to consult on the future of Scouting in Africa. This experience culminated when Lucky was elected as one of the first 2 youth to serve on the South African National Scout Council.

In his home province Lucky is a leader for the 150 active Rovers in the rural areas, he works part time as a fieldworker for the Provincial office and is involved with the daily administration of the office.

His woodbadge project was to start a Scout troop at an orphanage outside White River, where 36 boys and girls are now ready to make their Scout promises and become members of Scouting.

In an interview with Lucky he responded to the following questions:

What has Scouting done for your life?
If I didn’t have Scouting I would never have been exposed to everything that I have been, compared to my peers who have made many wrong choices because they did not have Scouts in their lives. There is so much that Scouting has done for me it is difficult to name it all….. but I know I am Lucky to be a Scout

What is the best part of Scouting for you?
Meeting people and making friends while travelling to different places. I can see how it changes people’s lives. I love sharing ideas with other people from different countries although it is difficult sometimes when we don’t agree.

What was your greatest moment in Scouting?
When I recieved my woobadge. It was very special because all the people who had played a role in my Scouting life were there, including the Mpumalanga leadership and our German friends.
 
What is your dream for Scouting?
My dream for Scouting is to touch almost everyone, that many children will know about Scouting and that the number will grow.

What are your plans for the future?
I would like to finish my studies and continue to take part in as many Scouting activities as possible.

Lucky still has many things he wants to do and so this will b e an ongoing story…… we are very proud of him and we are looking forward to hear more of his adventures.