The applicants are a diverse group, with a good racial and gender balance and the ages range from 25 to 60. They also come from all sectors, i.e. public, private and non-profit organisations. Applications were also recieved from East and West Africa, the USA, Europe, Asia and various Southern African countries. However, South Africans will be the largest group in the 2003 intake. This will probably change in years to come as more and more people from other African countries are expected to apply. This kind of diversity will contribute significantly to the quality and energy of the learning process both inside and outside the classroom.
In general, the reasons given by applicants for their choice of this programme is that they see it as a unique curriculum that combines sustainability, development practice and planning.
The good news is that the old Drie Gewels Hotel has been renovated. This was made possible by a grant that the Institute recieved from the Ford Foundation. The building has been renamed the Lynedoch Residence and can accommodate 12 people. It is fully booked for the first two modules. A second funding application has been submitted to the Kresge Foundation and if this is successful, the construction of a 40-bed residence will commence in April.