The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) previously held a twelve-month Cadet Learnership Programme which included both theoretical and practical modules on a variety of subjects relevant to the development of well-rounded South African International Relations Practitioners.

Since the closure of the programme, many aspiring diplomats have been left stranded. There are many students that continue to study qualifications relating to International Relations, International Economics, International Law, etc. that aspire to venture into diplomacy, however, the discontinuing of the Cadet Learnership Programme has silenced those dreams. DIRCO is the only institution that can equip the next generation of diplomats. 

Please sign this petition to help South Africa's Aspiring Diplomats to call on DIRCO to either:

1. Bring back the Cadet Learnership Programme with the first cohort commencing in 2023 or being recruited in 2023 for the year commencing 2024 for young people between the ages of 18 to 35 years to be assigned to South Africa's 104 embassies and high commissions abroad and 94 consulates.

AND/OR

2. Join the United Nations Junior Professional Officer Programme in 2022 and send the first cohort of at least 50 young people between the ages of 18 to 35 in 2023 to various UN agencies either in our country offices, regional offices or headquarters.

DIRCO speaks highly of the involvement of young people in youth diplomacy, however, access to this space has become more challenging since the discontinuation of Cadet. Young people want to proudly represent our country abroad and equally learn from our existing diplomats on diplomatic discourse.