Background
Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute
Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute which is formerly known as the Fort Cox College of Agriculture and Forestry, is one of the 11 Agricultural Training Institutes in South Africa.
It is one of the oldest and historical Black institutions and was established to offer Agricultural Education and Training in 1930.
Its aim was to produce black extension personnel in Agriculture and Nature Conservation.
As the demand in Agricultural Education and Training increased, the Institute expanded its programs and introduced the Forestry component in 1970.
This combination of Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture and Forestry programs in the same environment, is a unique element that distinguishes Fort Cox from the other 11 Agricultural Training Institutes Fort Cox featured prominently in the turbulent period of frontier wars, but the building itself has not survived.
Most of the stones from the fort which once housed colonial troops have been removed for other buildings and some are in fact embedded in the concrete foundations of what has today become one of the most important centre of agricultural and forestry training for the predominantly black students in Southern Africa.
Who we are
Motto, Mission, Vision
Motto
NON-SIBI SED POPULO NOT FOR ONESELF….BUT FOR THE PEOPLE
Vision
To be a Leading Institute of Excellence for Higher Vocational Education & Training in Agriculture, Agro-Processing, Forestry & Natural Resources Management
Mission
To meet the needs of our clients by imparting modern & fit for purpose education & training in the field of Agriculture, Agro-Processing, Forestry & Natural Resources Management
Core Business
To Offer Quality Education and Training to students and farmers, targeting to improve rural livelihood in South Africa.
Excellence
Our Values
Academic Excellence
We are committed to a holistic Total Quality Management Principles, by complying with internal and external quality assurance requirements.
Professionalism
We promote to the Institute staff and students a culture of:
❖ Punctuality and Time Management
❖ Accountability
❖ Commitment
❖ Good Work Ethics
❖ Integrity
❖ Dignity
❖ Mutual Respect
❖ Transparency
❖ Dedication
Staff and Student Support
We are committed in uplifting the Institute staff in order to improve the quality of teaching learning and support services.
Sustainable Rural Development
We are committed in uplifting rural communities through skills training, mentorship and business incubation.
Knowledge Generation
We are committed in generating knowledge through Forestry and Agricultural training, practical’s, experiential learning research and entrepreneurship.
Local History and Cultural Heritage
We embrace the historical value and cultural heritage through archiving and celebration of significant occasions, embracing the diversity and traditional culture of our community.
Innovation
We adapt and appropriate new technologies in the curriculum and research.
Make a Plan
We commit to support the vision and mission of the Institute, collectively and individually, we commit to solve problems speedily.
Diplomas
Academic Programmes
Fort Cox offers Diploma (NQF Level 6) and Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) Programmes in Agriculture and Forestry. Diploma programmes are 3 years and Advanced Diplomas are 1 year.
All our programmes are accredited by the COUNCIL ON HIGHER EDUCATION.
Diplomas (NQF Level 6)
Agriculture – Specializing in:
Agri-Business
Crop Production
Animal Production
Forestry and Agricultural Engineering
Advanced Diplomas (NQF Level 7)
Horticulture
Forestry Management
Animal Production
Fort Cox is the only 1 out of the 11 Agricultural Colleges to offer Forestry, Agricultural Engineering and Advanced Diplomas
The Institute through the Centre for Entrepreneurship, Incubation and Rural Development also offers the following short courses
Vegetable Production
Veld Management
Nursery Management
Dairy Production
Poultry Production
Piggery Production
Beef Production
Small Stock Production
Soil Conservation
Farming Business Management
Broiler Production
Tractor Maintenance and Equipment Calibration
Our Story
Fort Cox Short History
As the name of the institution suggests, Fort Cox is a place of great historic interest. It is the same environs that many of the famous warriors; like Rharhabe – Xhosa chiefs of the old time built their kraals.
Fort Cox began as military post established during the sixth frontier war (1834 – 1845), by Major William Cox of the British Army and accommodated a garrison of six Royal Artillery, one company of British Infantry and 160 Hottentots.
Like many fortifications of its time, it was simply an earth redoubt reinforced with stone and consisting of a quadrangle of strong stone cottages and walls surrounded by High Hills, Mount MacDonald and Seven Kloof Mountain towering beyond.
It was well situated as a base for patrols of the valleys and ravines of the Amatola and Keiskamma Mountains during the frequent wars and unrest of the period.
The ruins of the fort are still to be seen at Fort White, situated on the Debe Flats. The site was abandoned in 1836 when the British left the region and was rebuilt in 1846 to deal with the Seventh Xhosa War.
On 29 December 1850, during the Eighth Frontier War with the Xhosas, some 220 British troops were forced to retreat to Fort Hare after an unsuccessful attempt to relieve Sir Harry Smith, besieged at Fort Cox.
The Fort, which once housed the colonial troops, has not survived and its stones have been removed from other buildings and some are embedded in the concrete foundations of what has today become the Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute
Location
Where To Find Us
Fort Cox is situated just outside Middledrift, which is approximately 40km away from eQonce and approximately 25 km’s away from Alice.