Young Southern African leaders required for Young African Leaders Initiative

The programme, hosted by Unisa at the Graduate School of Business Leadership in Johannesburg, aims to develop the skills of young African leaders by providing core training in contemporary African issues, as well as specialised training in three key areas: Business and Entrepreneurship; Civic Leadership; and Public Management and Governance.

Only applicants from South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Lesotho, Malawi, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia or Zimbabwe can apply.

“We encourage all young leaders to apply for the programme. We especially call out to young people who come from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, or who represent minority groups,” says Professor Cyril Mbatha, acting programme director. “As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.’

“Through this leadership programme, we want young people to leave here encouraged about the future. Our aim is to transform their learning and enhance their leadership skills. This is achieved by teaching these young people to become critical thinkers who can solve complex, multidisciplinary problems; foster entrepreneurial and innovative thinking; and encourage cross-border communication and multicultural collaboration.”

One of the partners of the programme is Procter & Gamble (P&G). Khulusiwe Mabaso, CSI associate director for sub-Saharan Africa at P&G, notes, “Africa needs to become a self-sufficient continent that relies on its own resources to grow. The best resources we have are our young people, who are innovative, creative, have a hunger for change and a determination to succeed. P&G is proud to be associated with YALI. We are learning a lot from the organisation and want to contribute to the upliftment of young people in Africa. This is a great initiative to give back.”

Criteria

In addition to the age and citizenship requirements, the following criteria must also be met:

• English language proficiency

• Ability to commit to a four-week residential training programme from 11 April – 6 May 2016 in Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Demonstrated commitment to positively impact their communities, countries and the African continent

• Proven experience and track record in public management, business and entrepreneurship, or civic leadership

For more information, go to www.yalisouthernafrica.org or the application link at www.yalisouthernafrica.melimu.com.