Recently, we had the privilege of welcoming Nosiphiwo Mkhize as our new Chair: National Marketing. With over 16 years of experience in building purpose-led brands, driving growth, and leading award-winning marketing campaigns, she brings both strategic expertise and a deep passion for people. We sat down with Nosiphiwo to hear what drew her to Scouting and how she hopes to help us shape the future of youth in SA.
“One of my drivers in life is seeing people thrive,” Nosiphiwo shares. “As a mom of three children, wanting to see my children thrive in this world keeps me up at night. So, when the opportunity presented itself to step into this role and share my skills and knowledge with an organisation that holds youth development as its core function, I put my hand up.” For Nosiphiwo, this role is more than a professional contribution, it’s deeply personal. “I believe that in today’s fast world, having spaces and organisations dedicated to youth development are key and if I can add my mind and voice into it, I will.”
Although new to Scouting, she is embracing the journey with curiosity and openness. “Scouting is new to me. So being able to understand the Scouting world and how its unique offering impacts our country, is something that excites me to learn. My foundational values are family, integrity, honesty, accountability, love, respect, kindness, forgiveness, curiosity, courage, excellence, gratitude. These are values I do my best to live by and bring my children up in.”
Her love for the outdoors also resonates with the spirit of Scouting, as she is a keen hiker. “A memory I have is hiking in the Berg and getting lost. What was meant to be a 2-hour hike turned into 6 hours, but it was beautiful. The day was perfect weatherwise and the trails we got lost on had stunning views. We eventually found our trail and reached the point we were hiking to but the fellowship that was had along the way to the goal was better than the goal itself,” she quips.
Coming into Scouting with fresh eyes, Nosiphiwo has already noticed both our strengths and our opportunities. “What has stood out is the magnitude of how big this organisation is but how limited it’s known and understood. I’ve seen the passion of everyone who I have met thus far for the work that happens within the Scouting community. The time spent in Scouting is also remarkable; how leaders now have their children involved and how it becomes a family activity. And this perspective is shaping our vision for marketing and growth.”
Nosiphiwo’s focus is clear: helping more people understand and experience the value of Scouting, so we can grow. “Young people today have very limited opportunities and spaces to be seen without the performative ask over them,” she continues. “For me, Scouting introduces a new way to be, all while instilling lifelong values, character traits and skills. I encourage all youth and adult members to use all the opportunities you have to share your Scouting stories. Invite someone to a Scouting activity to experience it. People understand through experience.”
She is especially passionate about the role young people play in shaping perceptions. “Just like young people will share the music concert they went to that weekend, share the Scouting event you went to with as much passion and creativity. Young people listen to each other more than us adults. So, when a young person gives the thumbs up, others will try it.”
Given her fresh perspective on Scouting, we asked her what would be the one thing she would like everyone in SA to know about SCOUTS SA? “We are collectively worried about the input into your young people’s lives and are constantly searching for healthy spaces for their development. Give Scouting a chance and see how it will positively impact young people!”
Nosiphiwo is keen to gain as many Scouting experiences as possible so she can learn, tell great stories, and raise awareness of what Scouting does in SA and beyond. So, keep your eyes open as you might find her at a meeting, at a hike, or even a campfire! In fact, on the 27th of May 2026, she will be hosting a virtual campfire chat where we will talk about “how to tell our Scouting stories to various stakeholders when the opportunity presents itself”.