After years of dedication, Clair Murphy (57), stepped down as the regional commissioner of Gauteng East Girl Guides on March 8. She has been involved with the Guiding movement since the age of seven.
A commitment to empowering young girls has defined her tenure as regional commissioner, overcoming numerous challenges and creating a lasting impact on her community.
Reflecting on her time as regional commissioner, Murphy said the most rewarding part of her role was seeing young girls flourish through their involvement in Guiding.
“Watching them grow in confidence and skills is the best part. Hearing their stories and seeing their development reminds me of why I have been a part of this organisation for so long.”
Her journey with the Girl Guides began when she was a young Brownie, Guide and Ranger between the ages of seven and 20.
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After taking a break, she returned as a leader when her daughter progressed from Brownies to Guides. In 2011, she took the responsibility of running the Boksburg Guide branch and later became the regional commissioner for three years.
Now, although she’s stepping down from her official role, Murphy said she will continue to mentor adult leaders and support unit programmes as a Guide Advisor.
Murphy’s time as regional commissioner was not without its challenges. Load shedding, security issues and repeated burglaries at the Boksburg hall tested her leadership.
“We did what we could, installed solar lights and portable lighting, but we still need a sustainable solution.
“The crime situation in the area remained a concern and despite efforts to improve security with cameras, lighting and new gates, the problem persisted with little police intervention.”
During her time as regional commissioner, Murphy saw steady growth in the membership of Gauteng East, particularly in rural areas.
This was partly due to increased outreaches in schools and a strong presence on social media. Murphy also launched a new website for the region, helping raise its profile and engage more people in the Guiding community.
Murphy also spoke about how the role of regional commissioner has shaped her as a person.
“I learnt so much about myself – how to engage with others, how to advocate for what is important, and how to find my voice. Guiding has given me the confidence I never knew I had.”
She said one of the most memorable parts of her tenure was attending national council meetings, where she collaborated with other commissioners to help guide the organisation’s direction.
Looking back, Murphy hopes the systems and processes she put in place, including improvements in communication and administration, will make life easier for future volunteers.
“If I made things more efficient for the volunteers; that is something I will always be proud of.”
One of Murphy’s proudest accomplishments is the emphasis on community service and environmental awareness during her leadership.
“I hope I encouraged the members to reach out through charity work, environmental initiatives and help those in need,“ she said.
She hopes her efforts to instil these values will continue to inspire those involved in Girl Guides long after her time as commissioner. Murphy has wise words for the next regional commissioner.
“Leadership is not a solo job. Encourage participation, involve your members in decision-making and always lead with empathy.
“It is a tough role, but when you bring others along, it is incredibly rewarding.”
She also emphasised the importance of succession planning and understanding the varying levels of commitment among volunteers, encouraging future leaders to adapt their leadership styles accordingly.
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