Apply for the Democratic Alliance (DA) Young Leaders Programme 2027 (YLP) - a fully funded, one-year political leadership development programme for young South Africans aged 18 - 35 who align with the DA's values of Freedom, Fairness, Opportunity, and Diversity. Applications close 25 September 2026 at 17:00 SAST.

The YLP is South Africa's leading part-time political leadership programme, equipping motivated young changemakers with political knowledge, critical thinking, communication skills, and a national network to pursue careers in politics and public service.

This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official DA Young Leaders Programme page. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.

Quick Facts - DA Young Leaders Programme 2027

Detail	Information
Programme	DA Young Leaders Programme (YLP) - Class of 2027
Organiser	Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa
Type	Political leadership learning and development (part-time, 1 year)
Duration	One year (part-time alongside work or study)
Funding	Fully funded - all programme costs covered by the DA
Opens	1 September 2026
Deadline	25 September 2026, 17:00 SAST
Who	South African citizens aged 18 - 35 with leadership track record
Official page	da.org.za/young-leaders-programme
Apply	youngleaders.org.za - official application

What Is the DA Young Leaders Programme?

The Young Leaders Programme (YLP) is the Democratic Alliance's flagship political leadership development initiative. Since its launch in 2007, it has graduated 330+ young leaders, with 84 alumni currently serving in public office - including MPs, MPLs, councillors, ministers, and mayors.

Over one year, participants broaden their political knowledge, strengthen critical thinking and communication skills, explore personal leadership styles, and complete a community leadership project designed to create real impact.

The programme is part-time, so selected Young Leaders can continue working or studying full-time while participating in retreats, sessions, and project work.

Programme Benefits

All costs directly related to the YLP are covered by the DA - fully funded participation
One year of structured political leadership and personal development training
Sessions on political knowledge, critical thinking, communication, and public speaking
Dedicated leadership and personal development workshops
Leadership project - conceptualise and deliver a community impact initiative
Access to a national network of DA Young Leaders alumni and mentors
Pathway toward careers in politics, public service, and government
Join a community of changemakers committed to One Nation with One Future

Note: International travel costs to return to South Africa are not covered if you are temporarily abroad.

Who Can Apply

South African citizens aged 18 - 35 (must be 18+ and 35 or younger when the programme starts)
Track record of leadership excellence and community impact
Align with the DA's values: Freedom, Fairness, Opportunity, and Diversity
Passionate about building a better South Africa through politics or public service
Living in South Africa, or temporarily abroad but returning in time for programme start
No tertiary qualification required - leadership and values alignment matter most
Previous unsuccessful applicants may reapply; prior DA leadership programme participants may also apply

How to Apply

Read the full programme details on DA Young Leaders Programme and youngleaders.org.za.
Complete the online application form in full, including two short essay questions.
Record and upload a 60-second video (maximum) via the application portal.
Upload one reference letter (not older than 6 months recommended).
Submit everything before 25 September 2026 at 17:00 SAST.

No application fee is required.

Required Documents

Completed online application form (including two short essay questions)
60-second video recording uploaded via the application form
One reference letter uploaded via the application form

Programme Impact

330+ graduates since 2007
84 alumni currently in public office (MPs, MPLs, councillors, ministers, mayors, and more)
7 members of DA leadership are YLP alumni
Alumni lead community initiatives, public service, and policy development nationwide

Leadership Project Examples

Every participant completes a community leadership project. Past examples include:

Anti-gender-based violence awareness campaigns and community gatherings
School support programmes providing shoes and resources for disadvantaged learners
Female youth employment projects bridging education and employment gaps
Housing and flood-protection education projects in vulnerable Western Cape communities

Key Dates

Event	Date
Applications open	1 September 2026
Application deadline	25 September 2026, 17:00 SAST
Programme year	Class of 2027 (one-year part-time programme)

Official Links

Apply - DA Young Leaders Programme 2027

Programme overview - Democratic Alliance

Contact YLP office: youngleaders@da.org.za · +27 (0)21 465 1431

Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station

FAQs - DA Young Leaders Programme 2027

Is it fully funded?

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

When is the deadline?

25 September 2026 at 17:00 SAST (South African Standard Time).

Do I need a university degree?

No. A tertiary qualification is not required - leadership track record and values alignment are key.

Can I work full-time while participating?

Yes. The YLP is a part-time programme designed for young professionals and students.

Do I need to be a DA member?

You must align with DA values and vision; active DA membership is not strictly required per official FAQs.

Can I reapply if I was rejected before?

Yes. You may submit one application per year even if you previously applied unsuccessfully.

What if I am turning 35 in 2027?

You must be 35 or younger when the programme starts. Check official age criteria on the application page.

Results for “DA Young Leaders Programme 2027”

Democratic Alliance (DA) Young Leaders Programme 2027 (Fully Funded)