Benoni Scout set to receive his Springbok badge

Devon Kessell (17) of the 9th Benoni Scouts Group is set to soon receive his Springbok Scout Award – the highest honour achievable by a Scout in South Africa.

The Bordene resident explained that the completion of all requirements for the Springbok award must occur before the applicant’s 18th birthday.

As part of the award, Devon had to plan and complete a set of rigorous challenges.

One of the challenges he planned was a demonstration of an armed robbery with the help of another Scout member James Treacher (15).

On May 14, CMS Security visited the Scouts to demonstrate an armed robbery for the troop and also educated them on what they must do during such an incident.

Devon enacted a work robbery demonstration.

“A person pretending to be a robber will attack the worker and rob him, the victim will then press a panic button.

The CMS officers will then come on the scene, chase after the suspects and eventually make an arrest,” he said.

“James and I had to research these incidents in South Africa and it was a lot easier to ask CMS. We had to create an imaginative training event and incorporate it with CMS to see if it was handled properly.”

Devon said they wanted to create a safe scene that wouldn’t cause emotional damage to them.

Dawie Strydom from CMS said they chose to be part of the demonstration because they are a community-based company that is happy to assist wherever it can.

CMS security operations manager Fanie Oosthuizen said during an armed robbery, always stay calm, don’t look at the suspect, don’t lift your hands too high, lie on the ground, don’t communicate too much, and tell them what they want to hear.

“Don’t fight back because anything is replaceable except for life. You can buy materialistic things but we can’t buy you again,” said Oosthuizen.

Devon joined the 9th Benoni Scouts Group at the age of 12 and his journey towards a Springbok award was an exciting challenge.

The Woodlands International College learner said he was grateful to his leaders, family and friends for believing in him and supporting him through this journey.

He said being a Scout helped him to sharpen his life skills.

“It has helped me with geography and business studies because I have learned how to manage natural resources.

“You also learn to have respect and you are guaranteed to be a prefect at school if you are a Scout.

You also learn how to deal with troublesome situations, conflict, stress management, planning and how to manage a team.

The Springbok badge teaches you about after-school real-life situations, to be organised and focused.

Devon’s mother, Zena, said they are very excited for him as he has come a long way and worked hard.

“Devon turned out to be a good man with creative ideas. He even installed a solar system at home by himself.

We are very proud of him,” said Zena.

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