April 2026_Koue Bokkeveld Training Center_Newsletter

*|MC:SUBJECT|*
KOUE BOKKEVELD TRAINING CENTER
APRIL FESTIVITIES
We hope everyone had a wonderful Easter with their loved ones and family.
Autumn and winter have quickly begun to make their appearance with the sudden cold and wet weather, as well as the first snow of the year in the valley. Put on your warm coat, enjoy a nice cup of coffee, and enjoy reading the latest news below. Stay tuned for the many courses that are still to come.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE
We are proud to announce an exciting new phase of youth development in the agricultural sector. Thanks to funding, unemployed young people are now being offered the opportunity to complete a full learnership. This programme builds on the successful 1,2,3 Work model, where students receive weekly theory training and gain valuable practical experience on farms.
The high level of interest from potential candidates in the programme confirms the need among young people to develop themselves and build a future in agriculture. Collaboration with farms remains a core component in exposing students to the industry in practice.
Feedback from previous 1,2,3 Work groups clearly shows the impact of this type of programme: the majority of previous 1,2,3 Work students remain employed in agriculture, some have already received promotions, and employers report improved self-confidence, responsibility and job understanding among participants.
Programs like this play a key role in developing a skilled workforce and creating sustainable job opportunities in the Witzenberg region.
This initiative remains a valuable investment in the future of our youth and the agricultural sector.
Scatec NQF 1 students
1,2,3 Work students: Ceres group
1,2,3 Work students: Koue Bokkeveld group
MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP ARTICLE

Do you consider yourself a successful farm manager? Are you familiar with carrying out all your people management and leadership responsibilities? 
Click on this link to read the article.
https://www.hopcal.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Bestuur-en-Leierschaap-Pieter-Swanepoel-2.pdf
GRADE 9-12 CAMP
The Senior Camp at Dennebos from 30 March to 1 April was a great success with 56 learners participating! The camp included outdoor tours, museum visits, treasure hunt, talent competition and swimming.
The learners stressed the importance of making the right choices, believing in yourself and being proud of yourself. Speakers inspired them with stories about leadership, self-worth, discipline and perseverance. They also learned about Ceres’ history, trees in nature and even how to braai baguettes on a stick!
The camp brought more than just fun. Valuable lessons on values ​​were learned and there was a focus on character building on how it can contribute to reducing undisciplined behaviour in children. An unforgettable experience that motivated the learners to pursue their dreams!
We sincerely thank the farms that contributed to sponsoring learners, the Witzenberg Municipality for the discount on accommodation, and all our partners for their time and presentations during the three days of the camp.
GOB TRAINING FEEDBACK
On Saturday, April 18, 65 GOBs attended an impactful training day. They were equipped to lead with compassion without judgment, use Scripture as a daily foundation, and ensure their own “tap” stays full, so they can give without running dry.
ORCHARD TO PACKHOUSE
On June 4, Koue Bokkeveld Training Centre is hosting an innovative morning discussion on possible ways to address the gap between the orchard systems and the packing needs. Joy van Biljon is leading the discussion. Based on years of farm visits and lecturing on productivity and quality, she aims to address the following questions: 
  • Are there no more sustainable ways to improve the orchard supervisors’ insight into the quality requirements? 
  • Do the existing systems take changes in realities into account enough? 
  • There is a lot of reliance on QC systems, but how much more do they offer than another layer of “check the checker?” 
  • Why do some farms’ supervisors understand requirements so much better than others? 
The morning is aimed at both orchard and packing/marketing managers. It will be extremely practical and will be introduced by people who work with the issues on a daily basis. See A3 in the KBOS catalogue. 
BRIGHT STAR CORE - HELP WORKERS TO GROW AND MAKE BETTER CHOICES
LEAD ABC COURSE - LEARN EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP SKILLS
ARE YOU THE NEXT AGRICULTURAL WORKER OF THE YEAR? REGISTER NOW!
Costs are R85 per nomination and R95 per person for the Gala function at Kaleo.
MANAGEMENT DAY - YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS OUT!
Click here to read more about the presenters.
WOMEN'S CAMP - BEYOUTIFUL
We are so excited to host our very first BeYOUtiful Women's Camp! Karin van Wyk will lead it and this will be a life-changing experience.

For Afrikaans and Xhosa women – a place where we can grow together, pray together and strengthen each other.

For two weeks before the camp, each woman is deliberately prayed for by name.
Karin also receives the meaning of each name, which forms part of the unique ministry and preparation. That is why it is very important that we receive all names in advance and unfortunately there can be no cancellations after 25 June.

📍 Camp takes place at Dennebos: 14-16 August 2026
💳 Costs will appear on the June bill R 1380 p.p. (includes accommodation, meals, crown and your name meaning)

Start saving now – you don't want to miss this!
UPCOMING COURSES:
  • Stone Fruit Field Day – 8 May (Verdun)
  • Men’s Camp 8-10 May (Boy Muller)
  • Kindergarten Program: 12 – 14 May at KBOS
  • Irrigation: Blueberries – 12 May
  • Potential and Perception Tests: 14 May at Ceres Museum
  • Bright Star Core: 19 and 20 May at KBOS
  • Advanced Orchard Monitor: 20 and 21 May at KBOS
  • Chainsaw Retraining: 26 and 27 May at Ceres Museum
  • Lead ABC(afr) – 28 and 29 May at Ceres Musuem
  • Basic Fire Fighting: 22 May at KBOS
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA - FACEBOOK AND LINKEDIN
Facebook
LinkedIn
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.






This email was sent to *|EMAIL|*
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
*|LIST:ADDRESSLINE|*

*|REWARDS|*