From 14 to 20 September 2025, the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) School for Young Politicians (KASYP) hosted its flagship training programme at the University of Pretoria’s Digital Capability Lab. The week-long event brought together a returning diverse group of young political leaders committed to strengthening democratic culture in Africa, to complete training that started earlier this year.
The theme, “Building Democratic Capacity – One Person at a Time,” was reflected throughout the intensive programme of workshops, keynote sessions, and strategic visits. Participants were equipped with practical political skills, exposed to international best practices, and connected to Africa’s continental governance frameworks.
Training sessions, facilitated by Dr Heather Thuynsma (University of Pretoria) and assisted by Yanga Malotana, guided participants through self-assessment, vision-setting, and the art of political communication. Modules such as Opposition Research & Target Audiences, Measuring Your Mission, and Matching Your Message emphasized strategy, clarity, and values-based leadership. A dedicated series on campaign financing introduced participants to budgeting principles, fundraising strategies, and persuasive pitching. Exercises included group research, individual presentations, and recorded sessions to simulate real-world political engagement.
The programme featured am on-depth policy workshop led by Matthias Schäfer in the KAS Johannesburg office. His session on the Social Market Economy presented Germany’s model of combining free markets with social responsibility, offering lessons for tackling youth unemployment and fostering inclusive growth in Africa.
Complementing this, was a presentation by Ray Hartley, who stressed the urgency of protecting democracies amid rising global challenges. His address highlighted the responsibilities of young leaders in defending constitutionalism, transparency, and accountability.
A highlight of the programme was the visit to the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Secretariat in Midrand. Officials presented the newly adopted APRM Strategic Plan 2025–2028, anchored on Professionalism, Performance, and Probity. Key priorities include implementing the Governance Support Programme, funding national programmes of action, and introducing E-Governance as a sixth thematic review area. Moreover, participants had an in-depth engagement with representative of various APRM departments. Participants gained a deeper appreciation of how continental frameworks like the APRM connect governance, conflict prevention, and socio-economic development, reinforcing Africa’s Agenda 2063 commitments.
The 2025 edition of KASYP left participants with Practical leadership skills in communication, financing, and strategy. Policy insights drawn from comparative models like Germany’s social market economy and EU youth employment initiatives. Continental linkages through exposure to the APRM’s evolving governance agenda. As well as stronger networks across countries, fostering future collaboration. As one participant observed, “This programme reminded us that leadership is not only about elections, but also about building trust, opportunities, and safeguarding the democratic future of Africa.”
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About this series
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, its educational institutions, centres and foreign offices, offer several thousand events on various subjects each year. We provide up to date and exclusive reports on selected conferences, events and symposia at www.kas.de. In addition to a summary of the contents, you can also find additional material such as pictures, speeches, videos or audio clips.