Introducing the DA Young Leaders Program 2025: Fully Funded for South Africans
Applications are now open for the Young Leaders Program. The deadline to apply is 5:00 PM on Monday, August 26, 2024.
The DA Young Leaders Program aligns with the DA’s vision for South Africa. It is a part-time course, allowing participants to maintain their regular jobs while enrolled.
The program runs annually from February to November.
Please note that the program is demanding and requires a significant commitment of time for its requirements and assignments.
Throughout the year, the entire Class of Young Leaders will gather for five weekend-long retreats.
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Between these retreats, Young Leaders should be prepared to dedicate time outside of regular work or study hours to attend online workshops, complete program assignments, meet with mentors and leadership coaches, and develop and manage a leadership project in their communities.
The DA’s Young Leaders Program (YLP) is a political leadership learning and development initiative for South Africans aged 18 to 35 who align with the DA’s values of Freedom, Fairness, Opportunity, and Diversity.
Participants in the program are highly motivated individuals interested in pursuing a career in politics or public service, with the goal of creating One Nation with One Future.
Over the course of one year, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their political knowledge, critical thinking, and communication skills.
They will also gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their personal leadership style, and their development needs through dedicated sessions on leadership and personal growth.
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Additionally, Young Leaders will be required to design and execute a leadership project, providing them with a unique chance to broaden their influence, self-awareness, and emotional maturity.
This experience aims to help them become dynamic, resilient leaders capable of addressing national political challenges.
Selection Requirements
Young Leaders are individuals who are already making a difference in their communities.
They are known for the values and principles they uphold and are committed to not only driving change in their communities but also to growing and developing their own potential.
Our Young Leaders align their personal values with the DA’s liberal values and are passionate about working hard toward a better South Africa, viewing politics and government as a serious career option for their future.
Young Leaders are innovators and dreamers. They are never complacent or content with the status quo; they are always striving for greater heights, embracing new challenges, and eager to learn more.
Young Leaders typically exhibit many of the following characteristics:
— Alignment with the DA’s vision of One Nation with One Future, grounded in our values of Freedom, Fairness, Opportunity, and Diversity.
— A strong interest in and knowledge of South African politics and current affairs.
— A thorough understanding of the DA’s principles and policies.
— A proven track record of leadership.
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— Evidence of taking initiative and stepping beyond normal roles to create something new.
— Strong reasoning and argumentation skills.
— Passion, drive, and confidence.
— A genuine motivation to actively pursue a future in politics.
— High self-awareness, maturity, and emotional intelligence.
— Active involvement in the DA.
DA Young Leaders Program Benefits
All costs directly related to the program are covered by the DA.
The YLP is designed to develop a comprehensive set of skills to cultivate knowledgeable, articulate, emotionally intelligent, and resilient leaders who could one day lead the DA at a national level.
These skills include a broad understanding of politics, critical thinking and communication abilities, and a high degree of self-awareness and resilience, all developed over the course of one year.
Young Leaders will also benefit from extensive interaction with senior leaders in the DA.
Time Commitment
The YLP is a part-time program, allowing participants to maintain their regular jobs while enrolled. It runs annually from February to November.
However, the program is demanding and requires significant time for its requirements and assignments.
Throughout the year, the entire class of Young Leaders will meet for five weekend retreats.
Between these retreats, participants should be prepared to spend time outside of their normal work or study hours attending online workshops, completing program assignments, meeting with mentors and leadership coaches, and developing and managing a leadership project in their communities.
How many Young Leaders are selected?
Approximately 15-20 Young Leaders are chosen each year.
Eligibility
The Young Leaders Programme (YLP) is open to all young South African citizens aged 18 to 35 who have a proven track record of leadership excellence.
Applicants must align with the DA’s vision and demonstrate a strong passion for making a difference in South Africa.
Participants must either reside in South Africa or, if currently abroad, return to South Africa by the start of the program. The YLP does not cover international travel expenses.
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