Tsakane resident spreads his wings as he goes to New York
Hard work and determination have got Themba to where he is today.
Themba Machaba is the first scout from the Springs Central Air Group to be invited to join the American Scouts.
Themba will jet off to the USA at the end of May for his two-month adventure.
Thereafter he will study at the University of New York
This is a big achievement for the junior assistant troop scouter.
Also read: Scout gets Springbok status
Themba applied to join the American Scouts after seeing the applications online.
“I wanted to go study in the US and I love scouts.
“I wanted to do scouts that side so I searched on the internet and I applied and now I got it,” says Themba.
He says he wasn’t shocked when he was picked to be a part of their summer programme.
Themba initially joined the scouts at 14 years old when his friend spoke to him about it.
Also read: Zookie discovered by international talent scout
“My friend was lazy and her mother wanted her to join the scouts so she could be a little more responsible.
“I was interested in joining.
“At first, I was very scared.
“I was scared of white people and couldn’t speak English, but over time I got used to people and started talking more,” says Themba.
The Tsakane resident achieved his springbok colours last year.
This was no easy feat and Themba admits to wanting to give up several times.
The memory of his mentor is what kept him going as he wanted to honour the man who inspired him as a scout.
The journey to getting his springbok colours was full of hard work and long hours but Themba does not regret a second of it.
The skills he has learned through being a scout are applicable to real-life situations and will help him in the future.
Machaba hopes to one day open his own branch of the scouts in Tsakane.
“When I am at home and people see me wearing my uniform, the children first think I’m a policeman.
“The older people recognise me as a scout and would like their children to join me, but it is not feasible for most as it is expensive to travel between Tsakane and Springs every week.
“The costs have played a big role in children dropping out of scouts,” says Themba.
He also credits the scouts for keeping him from falling in with a bad crowd.
This will not be the end of Themba’s journey with the scouts as he plans to get every award there is.
He remains grateful for what his home group has helped him achieve.
The Springs Central Air Group is still accepting new members as they only have seven at the moment.
To join the scouts contact Melissa Campbell on 082 879 3664 or go to their Facebook page: Springs Central Air Group, for more information.
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