​A new diploma in sustainable development aims to address one of our great challenges: the creation of a new generation of responsible entrepreneurs who understands the world we live in, and have the skills and values to equip them for action in a complex world.

Introduced in January this year, this first-ever undergraduate programme in Sustainable Development at Stellenbosch University is offered by the School of Public Leadership in collaboration with the Sustainability Institute.

“Increasing opportunities will arise from the need to invest substantially in repairing the future. This is clearly evident in the fact that investments in renewable energy have exceeded investments in fossil fuels every year since 2009," said Mr Phumlani Nkontwana, Diploma Programme Coordinator.

“There is, therefore, a greater need than ever before to prepare capable young people for futures that are dependent on their own abilities to inspire, network, create and efficiently organise across sectors."

According to Nkontwana, the workplace-based diploma programme is rooted in a mature, socially integrated and ecologically designed community. “To make it possible for capable young people who are starting out in the world of work to not depend solely on others to create opportunities for them, students are exposed to a wide range of social enterprises in the farm, energy, craft, education, tourism and service provision sectors." Students will also play an integral role in helping to shape the further development of the programme.

Of the more than 100 applications received, 33 students were selected and 24 subsequently enrolled for the programme.

The class of 2018 is a predominantly female class, with student ages ranging from 18 to 25. Although the majority of the students come from the Western Cape and Gauteng, students hail from all over the country.

More than 50% of the students took either a gap year or switched courses, and joined the diploma programme after searching for an interdisciplinary programme of this nature. According to their feedback, students gain more from their exposure to a diversity of fields and industries, and enjoy the practical component attached to the programme.

• For more information on the programme, please click here.
  
• Photos supplied by the Sustainability Institute: Main photo: Students busy with practical work. Photo below: Students at the Launch Lab.