The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Southern Africa Program 2023 (Cohort20 and OnlineCohort15)

Business and Entrepreneurship Development
The objective of the course is for participants to gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to apply the principles, tools and systems of innovation and entrepreneurship in pursuing their career and business goals.Implementing partners: The Innovation Hub, Unisa Centre for Business Management and LifeCo UnLtd

Civic Leadership

The civic leadership course will expose participants to the practical knowledge of the administrative, financial, and organizational aspects of non-profit organizations and civil society projects. The course is aimed at graduates, professionals and participants working in or interested in community-based NGOs, projects including interest groups, youth groups and development agencies who want to be effective leaders and agents of change.Implementing partners: The Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute and the Southern Africa Trust.

Public Management and Governance

The objective of this course is to prepare the next generation of Southern Africa’s public service professionals with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully address problems of democratic governance in public administration at the local, provincial, and national levels. There will also be a focus on the development of leadership in the public sector, including a clear understanding of the role and purpose of the state to enhance good governance and service delivery; a clear and workable knowledge of management principles in the implementation of programs and projects; public finance; and the management of human resources. Implementing partners: The University of Pretoria

YALI RLC Southern Africa Features

Partnership
Develop partnerships with companies and organizations to sustain this standard of excellence

Mentors & Advisors
Work with experienced professional volunteers 1:1 and/or in groups

Education Philosophy & Curriculum
Learn cutting-edge leadership techniques

Alumni Relations
Build better communities by becoming involved in shaping the future

Technology
Study in a high-tech environment that brings leadership skills to your front door

Collaboration
Work in teams, embrace innovation, learn by doing

Who Should Apply?

The program is open to young African leaders aged 18 – 35 years old depending on their level of experience and track record in their chosen sector.

Participants must meet the following criteria:

• Age (18-35)
• English language proficiency
• Portuguese speaking participants will be accommodated in the Mozambique Hub at UEM
• A commitment to positively impact Africa, their own countries as well as communities
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and interest in Public Management, Entrepreneurship
• Development and Civic Leadership
• Commitment to serve the development agenda of the African continent

Young leaders from the following countries are eligible to participate in the programme: Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Lesotho, Malawi, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Kingdom of Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Please note that participants from Tanzania and the DRC should apply for Yali RLC East Africa. Visit the yalieastafrica.org website for further information.

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The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Southern Africa Program 2023 Selection Process and Criteria

Selection for participation in the YALI RLC SA will be conducted by a selection panel which will use the following criteria to evaluate applications:

Requirements:

• A proven record of leadership in public service, business and entrepreneurship, or civic engagement. They can be new entrants in public and private service institutions looking to develop their leadership abilities.
• Proven record of knowledge, interest, and professional experience in the sector/track selected.
• Proven record of active engagement in public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship.
• Selected participants applying for the contact session must be willing to travel to the RLC SA in Midrand, Johannesburg or Maputo for the duration of the program.
• A commitment to apply leadership skills and training to benefit your country and/or community after the program.

Skills:

• Good interpersonal and communications skills
• Knowledge of youth leadership and development issues
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Demonstrate the ability to work in a small or large team setting
• Proven computer skills
• Cultural sensitivity
• Positive attitude
• Dedication, responsibility and reliability

Over and above, the intended beneficiaries of the program include the following:

• Rural based and economically disadvantaged communities
• Young leaders living with disabilities
• Young leaders in lusophone countries
• Women
• People who are HIV positive or who are living with AIDS
• Organisations that represent and advocate for the rights of LGBTI communities across the region

All Applications will go through a stringent selection process which will be reviewed by a selection panel. The prospective applicants will be interviewed pending final selection to the program.

Applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, gender, religion, socio-economic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.