About DA Young Leaders Programme
Applications are now open. To apply to the Young Leaders Programme. Applications close at 17h00 on Monday, 26 August 2024.
The DA Young Leaders Programme is deeply grounded in the DA’s vision for South Africa. 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.
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 conceptualize 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.
Selection Requirements
Young Leaders are individuals who are already making a difference where they are. They are known for the values and principles they live by, and are committed to not only bringing about change in their communities, but to also growing and developing their own potential.
Our Young Leaders are able to align their own personal values set to the DA’s liberal values, and are passionate about working hard towards a better South Africa, considering politics and government as a serious career option for their own future.
Young Leaders are innovators and dreamers. They are never complacent or content with how things are; they are always aspiring to greater heights, rising to new challenges, and willing to learn more.
Young Leaders typically demonstrate many of the following characteristics:
- A personal ideological alignment to the DA’s vision of One Nation with One Future, rooted in our values of Freedom, Fairness, Opportunity and Diversity;
- A high level of interest in, and knowledge about, South African politics and current affairs;
- An excellent understanding of the DA’s principles and policies;
- A demonstrable leadership track record
- Examples and evidence of having taken initiative, stepping outside normal roles to start something new;
- The ability to argue and reason well;
- Passion, drive and confidence;
- An authentic motivation to be actively involved in politics in future;
- A high level of self-awareness, maturity and emotional intelligence;
Involvement in the DA.
DA Young Leaders Programme Benefits
All cost directly related to the da program is covered by the DA
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.
Time Commitment
- 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.
How many Young Leaders are selected?
A national group of approximately 15-20 Young Leaders are selected annually
Eligibility
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.
Apply Here
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