DA Young Leaders Programme (YLP) 2024 Application for South Africans
The DA Young Leaders Programme is deeply grounded in the DA’s vision for South Africa. The Programme seeks to develop and grow our country’s future leaders responsible for upholding this vision of One Nation with One Future, and our core values of Freedom, Fairness, Opportunity and Diversity in politics and government.
In the DA’s South Africa, all individuals will have the opportunity to live a life that they value. This South Africa is dynamic and innovative, with a growing, inclusive economy and capable government which defends the Constitution and ensures equal opportunity for all – regardless of where they are born, how they look, or any other arbitrary characteristic. You can learn more about the DA’s dream for South Africa here.
We know that South Africa will need excellent leaders to realise this dream.
What is the Young Leaders Programme?
The DA’s Young Leaders Programme (YLP) is a political leadership learning and development programme for South Africans between the ages of 18 and 35 who align themselves with the DA’s values of Freedom, Fairness, Opportunity and Diversity. Participants of the programme are highly motivated individuals, interested in pursuing a career in politics or the public service, with the aim of creating One Nation with One Future.
Over the course of one year, participants of the programme will be given the chance to broaden their political knowledge, critical thinking and communication skills. Participants will also get to know themselves, and their personal leadership style and development needs a lot better during dedicated sessions on leadership and personal development. In addition, Young Leaders will be required to conceptualise and undertake a leadership project, giving them a unique opportunity to expand their influence, self-awareness and emotional maturity, so that they can become dynamic, resilient leaders who are able to tackle politics on the national stage.
What does the programme entail?
The YLP is carefully designed to develop an entire set of competencies in order to grow a pool of knowledgeable, articulate, emotionally intelligent and resilient leaders who can one day lead the DA at a national level.
These competencies include a wide range of practical and philosophical knowledge of politics, critical thinking and communication skills, as well as a high level of self-awareness and resilience over the course of one year.
Young Leaders will also enjoy a high level of interaction with senior leaders in the DA.
How much of my time will it take up?
The YLP is a part-time course, allowing participants to continue with their normal occupation while on the programme. It runs annually from February to November. That said, the Programme is rigorous and time consuming in terms of its requirements and assignments. During the course of the year, the entire Class of Young Leaders will meet for five weekend-long retreats. In between retreats, Young Leaders should be prepared to commit time out of normal work or study hours to attend online workshops, complete programme assignments, meet with mentors and leadership coaches, as well as develop and manage a leadership project in their communities.
Will I be able to work/study full-time and participate in this Programme if I am selected?
Almost all Young Leaders either work full time or study at a tertiary institution. The YLP is a part-time course, and can fit into participants’ schedules, but will require effective time management and planning. We recommend that applicants give serious consideration to their workload and current obligations prior to applying for the Young Leaders Programme as the programme is a serious and time consuming commitment.
Who can apply YLP Programme
The YLP is open to all young South African citizens between the ages of 18 and 35, with a track-record of leadership excellence. These applicants must share the DA’s vision and must have proven themselves to be passionate leaders set on making a difference in South Africa. Participants must either be living in South Africa, or if they are temporarily abroad, be returning to South Africa in time for the start of the programme. The Young Leaders Programme does not cover international traveling costs.
To Apply Visit the DA Young Leader Progamme Page
