Deadline: August 28, 2025
The DA Young Leaders Programme 2026 is officially open for applications. This prestigious year-long leadership initiative is designed to equip young South Africans with the skills, knowledge, and resilience to lead at a national level. If you are a passionate young leader aged 18–35, committed to the values of Freedom, Fairness, Opportunity, and Diversity, this is your chance to make an impact.
About the DA Young Leaders Programme 2026
The DA Young Leaders Programme 2026 is a highly competitive political leadership development initiative run by the Democratic Alliance (DA). The programme is built to nurture future leaders by:
- Expanding political knowledge and strategic understanding.
- Strengthening critical thinking and communication skills.
- Enhancing self-awareness and leadership styles.
- Guiding participants to design and execute a personal leadership project, building influence, resilience, and emotional maturity.
This year-long experience provides aspiring leaders with the tools to serve South Africa with vision, responsibility, and courage.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for this programme, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Show proven leadership ability.
- Demonstrate alignment with the DA’s values: Freedom, Fairness, Opportunity, and Diversity.
Programme Benefits
Selected participants will benefit from:
- A full year of political leadership development.
- Opportunities to engage in practical leadership challenges.
- Exposure to DA’s leadership network.
- All programme costs covered by the DA (note: international travel expenses are not included).
This makes the programme accessible to committed young leaders from all backgrounds.
Application Requirements
All applications must be submitted before the deadline, with the following materials included:
- Online application form with answers to two short essay questions.
- A 60-second video recording, uploaded through the application form.
- One reference letter, submitted via the same form.
Important Deadline
- Application Closing Date: 17:00 (SAST) on Thursday, 28 August 2025
- Current Date: 18 August 2025 — giving applicants 10 days to complete and submit a strong application.
Step-by-Step Application Tips
To prepare a competitive application:
- Write thoughtful, authentic responses to the essay questions.
- Record a concise and compelling 60-second video pitch that showcases your passion and leadership.
- Secure a strong reference letter from someone who can vouch for your leadership ability.
- Submit the complete online application before the deadline.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Deadline | 17:00, Thursday, 28 August 2025 |
| Eligible Applicants | South Africans aged 18–35 |
| Programme Duration | 1 year |
| Costs Covered | All programme costs (excl. international travel) |
| Application Materials | Form with essays, 60-second video, reference letter |
| How to Apply | Online form via Airtable |
Final Note
The DA Young Leaders Programme 2026 is more than a leadership training opportunity – it is a platform to shape the future of South Africa. If you are ready to lead with courage and conviction, do not miss this chance.
👉 Click here to apply for the DA Young Leaders Programme 2026
👉 Read more about the programme
📌 For proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact grantsdatabase.org.
