South African Chapter

HOW BOYS' BRIGADE IN SOUTH AFRICA STARTED

1st PIETERMARITZBURG COMPANY (1ST S.A. COMPANY)

In Natal the establishment of the 1st company in South Africa in 1889 came about when British Immigrants with B.B. experience decided to start a Company. Many of the B.B. officers had military experience and used it in the extensive drill which formed a major component of early company activities. It was the same form of militarism which gave the B.B. misidentification with the Volunteers.

EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT:

Although the work of the 1st Pietermaritzburg Company was short lived, the movement started in Cape Town in 1890. This Company however also went into recess after a short while. The B.B. in Cape Town and surrounds officially picked up in 1892 when Rev. J.C. Harris formed a Company. This was the forerunner of many successful companies. From the Cape area the B.B. spread rapidly among all denominations throughout South Africa, with the companies established in the then T.V.L (1891),

O.F.S. (1892), Eastern Cape (1897) and Kimberly.

Just over 50 Brigade companies were formed in the two British colonies (Cape & Natal) and two Boer republics (T.V.L & O.F.S) between 1889 and 1899.

The Cape Town Battalion was formed in 1894 consisting of 16 companies and 500 members by 1895. Through their effort the Port Elizabeth Battalion was formed in 1897.

In Natal, a Durban Battalion, established in 1893 with 5 companies, failed to survive, although a temporary rejuvenation occurred with the influx of refugees from neighboring Transvaal during the South African (Anglo-Boer) War of 1899-1902. In 1891, John H.Moir, launched the 1st Umsinga Company at Gordon Memorial Mission, Zululand, made up of Zulu boys.

During the period of B.B expansion the movement did not gain a strong foothold in the Orange Free State. Only half – a – dozen companies were formed there between 1892 and 1905.

In the Transvaal, which had a high British population due to the mining activities, the Brigade grew rapidly. After 1891 a Transvaal Battalion, made up totally of Presbyterian companies operated briefly in Pretoria. This was revived by Rev. J.C. Harris. The strength grew to 14 companies and 500 members. The Transvaal Brigade had support of the State Secretary, as well as President Kruger, and once formed a guard of honor for him.

ORGANISATION AND ACTIVITIES:

Many of the organisations and activities were organized on similar lines as in the U.K. Battalions were formed in all major cities, coping with a range of companies, from the very small to the very large.

Bible Class was an integral part of Brigade activities. On Parade Night there was a lot of concentration on Drill, however, other activities were quickly developed. Drill competitions were a favorite in many Battalions. In Cape Town there was a silk flag to be won (Cape Battalion Challenge Banner) donated by General Cameron. An early feature of Brigade activities was the Company Band, either flute, brass, pie or bugle.

Class work covered a wide variety of activities: first aid, physical, handcrafts, etc.

Many companies established a Boys’ Room’ where boys could meet in a warm comfortable atmosphere and either read magazines or play a variety of games.

The B.B. quickly established its reputation for physical training and sports. Gymnastics was an early feature but cricket and football also emerged. In Cape Town the companies competed for the Liberman Cricket Shield, sponsored by the Mayor of Cape Town.

One of the greatest innovations the B.B. is famous for in the sphere of recreation is that of camping. Very few boys or families had enjoyed the delights of camping and the Brigade in no small measure has contributed to the widespread development of this form of holiday. As the 1st Glasgow Company started this tradition in 1886, in Western Scotland, so the Battalions in South Africa followed suit:

1894 Cape Battalion - 1st Camp Muizenburg.

Boys traveled there by train. This became an annual event.

1895 Natal Battalion - Camped at Malvern, Michaelmas. 1903 Transvaal Battalion - 2nd camp at Krugersdorp.

1904 Orange Free State - 1st camp Military Remount Farm.

The military supplied tents and equipment for all of these camps.

NEWSPAPER COLUMNS AND GAZETTES:

Various newspapers came out in support of the B.B. and ran weekly columns for the B.B. filled with news and notices. Since 1894 the Cape Times (Cape Town) published the B.B. Gazette. The Natal Mercury published a B.B. Gazette since 1894. Regular reports were published in Transvaal & Port Elizabeth newspapers. Since 1899 the Transvaal Battalion published their newsletter, The B.B. Bugler’.

THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR (ANGLO BOER WAR) 1899 – 1902

That the war would have an effect on the B.B. in South Africa, was without any doubt. Most disruption however occurred in the Boer Republics (Transvaal & Orange Free State) and Natal. Many an officer and young boy were involved. It brought a division in the B.B. from the British descent. The war disrupted all B.B. work. A restart could only be made after the end of the war in 1902.

1903 – 1914

B.B. work took off again, though slowly. Notwithstanding setbacks, reports of varied activities were made. A depression in 1907-8 hampered progress.

1914 – 1940

The B.B. continued to gain strength until the outbreak of the 1st World War. Many companies folded as officers and boys were called up.

After 1914, the main strength of the movement remained amongst the companies of the Cape Province. Several units survived strongly through the 1920s until a general revival in South Africa took place in the mid – 1930s.

In 1933 boys went to the Jubilee Celebrations. A message written by the boys of 1933 were placed in a sealed casket to be opened in 1983 (Centenary Celebrations).

By 1934 – 35 the membership stood at 780 in 14 companies all of which, except the 1st Pietermaritzburg in Natal, were in the Cape Province.

In May 1936 the Cape Peninsula Officers’ Council was formed with six companies. At the time the Port Elizabeth Officers Council was also constituted. By June 1937 the membership around Cape Town stood at 600 in 11 companies, resulting in the formation of a Cape Peninsula Battalion.

1936 saw growth in Transvaal. In 1939 the Rand Officer’s Council was formed, and by 1940 membership stood at over 300 boys.

The B.B. Overseas Secretary, Mr.Vicker’s visit resulted in growth over the whole of South Africa. By 1939 – 40 the membership stood at nearly1, 550, in 32 companies.

The 2nd World War, in 1939-45, caused an upheaval in the work. The B.B. in South Africa emerged from the war with greater strength and morale than it had experienced during the interwar years.

1940 – 1982

1983 was the World Centenary of the B.B.

The last twenty five years saw the S.A. Council striving for the improvements in the movement in the country. As always this is no easy task, especially considering the vastness of the country.

2009 - One young Member was sent to Ghana for a Global Fellowship of Christian Youth Young Leaders Workshop.

2010 - The Boys’ Brigade of South Africa assisted the Global Fellowship of Christian Youth in hosting the Young Leaders Workshop in Gauteng where 5 young Members and two Officers attended the workshop.

2013 - Two Officers attended the General Conference and 50th Anniversary of the Global Fellowship of Christian Youth and two young members attended the Young Leaders Workshop in London.

2014 - The 126 years in existence of Boys Brigade in South Africa was celebrated with a National Camp in Strand, Western Cape, where members from across the country were in attendance.