Democratic Alliance (DA) Young Leaders Programme 2025

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.

• Table of Content
• About Democratic Alliance
• DA Young Leaders Programme
• Aim and Benefits of DA Young Leaders Programme
• Requirements for DA Young Leaders Programme Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for DA Young Leaders Programme
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Democratic Alliance

The Democratic Alliance is the result of many parties and movements coming together over the years and uniting around the vision of one nation with one future built on freedom, fairness, opportunity and diversity for all South Africans.

DA Young Leaders Programme

Aim and Benefits of DA Young Leaders Programme

All costs directly related to the YLP are covered by the DA.

Requirements for DA Young Leaders Programme Qualification

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.

Interview date, Process and Venue for DA Young Leaders Programme

Selection Criteria

• 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.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details,visit DA website