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Southern Africa Public Leadership Programme

The Southern Africa Public Leadership Programme empowers a new generation of ethical leaders across the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) with the skills, networks, and knowledge necessary to drive meaningful change in government and governance.

This programme works with emerging and established leaders who are dedicated to enhancing public service and strengthening democratic values in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). Our fellows demonstrate political awareness, initiative, emotional intelligence, and a genuine commitment to serving their communities.

In the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) regions, women make up over 50% of the population but hold only a small fraction of legislative seats, while youth, who represent 60% of the population, occupy less than 5% of parliamentary seats. This lack of representation is due to social, economic, and institutional barriers.

30%

Several SADC countries, including Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, have over 30% women's representation in parliament, largely due to legislative quotas promoting gender balance.

35%

Youth under 35 make up around 35% of the SADC population but hold less than 10% of government and parliamentary roles, reflecting low representation despite ongoing efforts to improve participation.

1:2

Women hold about 30-35% of parliamentary seats in the SADC region, with a 1:2 ratio of women to men. This reflects ongoing efforts to improve gender parity, mainly through quotas and reforms.

Duration

Seven months of intensive learning followed by five years of alumni engagement.

Curriculum

Seven mandatory in-residence weekend seminars covering workshops, expert-led sessions, case studies, and collaborative projects.

Objectives

Enhance public purpose understanding, navigate complexities, acquire campaign skills, improve decision-making, and manage transitions into public service.

Learning Pathways and Methods of Learning

The curriculum is divided into thematic seminar weekends, which are the key learning units. The thematic seminar weekends are ordered and taught using the principles of Theory U. Each seminar weekend is further broken down into three learning paths, each comprising several modules that are completed over the course of the programme

Transformational

(personal leadership)

Transactional

(skills competency)

Systems

(political and government systems knowledge and understanding)

Who Should Apply

If you are a leader aged 18-45 from the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), actively contributing to your community, educational institution, or profession and aspire to make a difference in government, we invite you to apply.

Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) countries: Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

This programme welcomes applicants from all sectors, regardless of previous political experience, with a commitment to the ideals of democracy and governance in Southern Africa.

Seminar Weekends

It is mandatory to attend all seven in-residence weekend seminars, starting Friday and ending on Monday. Fellows must commit to attending all seven seminars without interruption. When applying, shortlisted candidates will receive detailed communication on seminar dates and locations before accepting their place in the programme. Travel is required.

Upcoming SADC Elections 2024 to 2025

Scheduled elections across the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), covering presidential, parliamentary, and local levels. This snapshot highlights key democratic events shaping the political landscape on the continent for the remainder of the year.

2024

Mauritius: National Assembly elections – November 30, 2024.

Botswana: National Assembly and Local elections.

Namibia: Presidential and National Assembly elections – November 27, 2024.

Mozambique: Presidential, National Assembly, and Provincial elections.

2025

Comoros: Parliamentary elections - 12 January 2025.

Malawi: General elections - 16 September 2025.

Seychelles: General elections - October 2025.

Tanzania: General elections - October 2025.

Cost of the Programme

Upon acceptance into the programme, a non-refundable, once-off enrolment fee will secure your space in the programme. This fee will be communicated to successful applicants who are offered a space in the programme.

Limited financial assistance is available for qualified applicants to create an inclusive learning community that is accessible to all.

Meet The Team

Wellington Radu

Regional Head of Programmes: Southern Africa

Gcotyelwa Jimlongo

Programmes Officer: Southern Africa

Aphile-Amanzima Mazibuko

Programmes Assistant: Southern Africa