The conference is held in South Africa because that is where African Leadership Academy (ALA) is located. Students at ALA are drawn from more than 46 African countries, and other countries around the world, presenting a good range of diversity. South Africa is itself a very diverse country, providing delegates with an opportunity to discover a new part of the world.
African leadership Academy is a world-class, pan-African leadership development institution that seeks to enable lasting peace and prosperity in Africa by developing and connecting the continent’s future leaders. The Academy’s leadership development formula is relatively simple: seeking young Africans with the potential for leadership, embedding them in the practice of leadership through applied learning, and enabling access to networks of opportunities and resources that will enable their further growth, learning, and impact.
As young African leaders, we believe that we have a very significant role to play in the development of Africa. We decided to simulate the African Union because it is the pre-eminent structure for promoting Pan-African development on the continent. We are certain that the peace and prosperity of Africa will be secured through mutual cooperation; we therefore envision our conference not only as a model of but also a model for international cooperation in Africa.
ALAMAU 2020 will be one of its kind. This conference is hosted by a very diverse team of young leaders drawn from over 14 African countries in one of the most diverse nations in the world – South Africa. Delegates will have the opportunity to learn about various African countries and engage in rigorous yet critical conversations about the future of Africa. Delegates participating at ALAMAU acquire several skills and competencies in the course of preparing for and participating at the conference; including critical thinking and analysis, negotiation, public speaking, research and academic writing. Delegates will also have the privilege of interacting with ambassadors from various African countries and foreign policy experts in private and group sessions. There will be opportunities to explore the beautiful city of Johannesburg, visit historic sites in South Africa and make friends from all over Africa and the world.
Yes, delegates must be between the ages of 14-18.
Yes, you can as long as you are not currently enrolled in university. ALAMAU 2020 is open to groups of students from one school (school delegations) and independent delegates. School delegations must be accompanied by a teacher/advisor, while independent delegates do not require a chaperone.
Unfortunately, no. ALAMAU is fully funded by participants’ registration fees and as such, we do not have enough resources at the moment to offer financial support to intending participants. We are however able to provide letters to support registered delegates who intend to organize fundraising campaigns in their home countries. Such delegates are encouraged to contact the ALAMAU Secretariat at admin@alamau.org. The organizing team will do everything possible to minimize the costs incurred by schools and delegates participating at ALAMAU 2020 by negotiating group deals with all conference vendors.
The ALAMAU team will be unable to acquire visas for participants. However, we will send timely invitation packages to enable delegates apply for visas in their home countries and we will provide every assistance possible.
The conference is designed to give delegates sufficient time to go shopping and sightseeing. However, for several reasons, including but not limited to security, delegates will not be permitted to leave arbitrarily during the conference.
ALAMAU has negotiated discounted accommodation rates at Indaba Hotel & Conference Centre, venue of the conference. The discounted accommodation fees will be paid by all delegations in advance of the conference, and all delegations are advised to reside within the hotel premises.
Yes, male and female delegates will live in different sections of the hotel and will not be permitted to cross sections. ALAMAU is very strict about discipline, but friendly enough to permit safe and reasonable interaction between delegates.
Conference materials will be provided by the ALAMAU team. Delegates should bring personal effects such as clothes, shoes, toiletries, pens, and personal electronic devices. Travel adapters will be provided for each delegation, but delegates can also purchase adapters for personal use as the South African electric sockets are unique to the country. Delegates can also bring forms of electronic entertainment; but these may not be used during committee sessions. There will be a Cultural Night as part of the conference program, so it is highly recommended that delegates bring cultural clothes and other items from their countries to share with other delegates.
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snack breaks) will be provided by the ALAMAU team through the hotel for all fully registered delegates. ALAMAU will also cater for all special feeding requirements (Halaal, kosher, vegetarian etc) if notified in advance of the conference.
The currency in South Africa is the Rand. Exchange rates fluctuate between 13 and 15 Rands to the US dollar.
The time zone in South Africa is GMT+2.
Depending on your country of origin, there may or may not be a visa requirement to travel to South Africa. Please verify with the South African embassy in your country. If you require a visa, we will provide an introductory letter to the South African embassy in your country. Also endeavour to procure an Immunization Card (Yellow fever vaccination Card). The South African authorities are very strict about travellers having Immunization Cards for travelers from countries in the Yellow Fever belt
When you arrive at OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, you will pass through immigration, pick up your luggage and walk into the arrivals section of the airport. You will be greeted by ALAMAU team members wearing ALAMAU t-shirts and holding ALAMAU signs. Please follow the team to the arranged transportation, which will convey you to the hotel.
It is highly recommended that you come to South Africa with your laptop computers, mobile phones or other communications gadgets. There will be wireless internet access at the conference and hotel venues, and at the African Leadership Academy campus. You can choose the roaming option on your mobile phones, bearing in mind that international rates may apply. Each faculty advisor will be provided with a South African sim card pre-loaded with some airtime.
There is a Bureau de Change at the OR Tambo International Airport where foreign currencies like the US Dollar, the GB Pound, and the Euro can be exchanged. Certain other currencies might be available for change, but the aforementioned are guaranteed. Certain banks in South Africa can also carry out currency exchange functions. There are also ATMs at all fuel stations and shopping malls, so participants can withdraw money easily. We however recommend that you change currency at the airport to avoid challenges.
The South African weather operates along with lower southern hemisphere weather, meaning that winter is between May and August, while summer is between October and March. Weather in March will be quite warm in the day and slightly cool at night. Delegates might choose to have a jacket for the cool weather in the evening, but dress light during the day.
Yes, all delegates will visit the campus of African Leadership Academy during the conference. The cultural night on the third day of the conference will be hosted on the ALA campus. Delegates will have the opportunity to interact with ALA’s very diverse community of students and staff and learn about ALA’s multiple programs.
Yes, delegates will have the opportunity to purchase branded ALA items, and ALAMAU items also.
Delegates will be required to wear western business attire comprised of suits, shirts, ties and dress shoes for males, and shirts (or blouses), slacks or skirts, and dress shoes for females. Denim will not be allowed. You may also choose to wear the traditional attire of any African country. Delegates may be casually dressed outside committee sessions. Please refer to the conference policies for details about dressing.