Young Leaders

DA Young Leaders Programme

Applications for the Young Leaders Programme class of 2012 have now closed. Check back in August 2012 for 2013 applications.

“Now is the time to stand up as a leader and help all South Africans to see what can be achieved under a DA government. It is time to reignite the spark of hope. As long as we keep faith in our project, the prospects for South Africa are good. As long as we keep rowing together in the right direction, we can become an open, opportunity society. For the next 20 years at least, South Africa will be the most exciting country in the world in which to live and make a contribution to the future. It will be a great story to tell your grandchildren one day. We can overcome our history and shape our future together.” Helen Zille

The DA’s Young Leaders Programme (YLP) is a programme for young South Africans who want to change the face of South African politics and who have the potential to do so. This yearlong, part time leadership development programme is exclusively designed to give participants the skills, knowledge and confidence required to be the future leaders of the Democratic Alliance and South Africa.

The YLP is open to all young South Africans between the ages of 18 and 35, who share the DA’s vision of the Open Opportunity Society for All and have proven themselves to be committed and 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 programme is limited to 15 – 20 participants annually.

Young Leaders are people, who, by their actions and achievements, demonstrate many of the following characteristics:

- A high level of interest in South African politics and current affairs;

- Past /current involvement with DA;

- Good knowledge of DA principles and policies;

- Alignment with the DA’s vision of an Open Opportunity Society for All;

- Proven track record of having successfully held leadership positions in the past;

- Initiative – evidence of having stepped outside normal roles to start something new;

- Good reasoning & critical analysis skills;

- Intellectual curiosity;

- Passion, drive, optimism and confidence;

- Motivation to be actively involved in politics;

- Self Awareness.

Queries may be directed to the Programme Director, Marike Groenewald at 021 465 1431 or can be emailed to youngleaders@da.org.za.

Following the closing date, selected applicants will be invited to complete an online examination and to attend an interview with the Young Leaders selection panel.

The decision of the selection panel will be final and no correspondence will be entered into on the selection or not of individual candidates.

Want to know more? Download an information brochure here.

 Meet the Class of 2011. Download their profiles here.