On Thursday, 29 May 2025, a new chapter was opened at FORT COX AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY TRAINING INSTITUTE with the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of a fully equipped Engineering Workshop—a milestone made possible through the facilitation of Aurelian Beneficial Trust (ABT) and the invaluable support of Barloworld Equipment.
In her keynote remarks, ABT Chairperson Ms. Buyelwa Sonjica reminded all in attendance that this development represents much more than new equipment:
“We are here because of what this facility now enables—expanded access to quality technical training, increased prospects for employability, and a revitalised institution poised to serve rural youth for generations to come.”
This partnership was born from ABT’s role as a development intermediary, advocating for private sector collaboration in education. Thanks to this effort, Fort Cox has achieved preliminary accreditation by the Engineering Council of South Africa, taking a bold step towards offering a Diploma in Agricultural Engineering.
Ms. Sonjica further called on industry leaders to join hands in shaping the future:
“Let us continue to walk this journey together—building a South Africa that is skilled, resilient, and inclusive.”
At ABT, we believe that real change happens when institutions are empowered, youth are prioritized, and partnerships are intentional.
👏 Thank you to Barloworld Equipment for responding with purpose.
👏 Congratulations to FORT COX AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY TRAINING INSTITUTE for this transformative leap.
Together, we are building bridges from education to opportunity.