• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • News
  • Lifestyle
beekeeping in mzansi

How to start beekeeping in Mzansi

17th Aug 2021
Experts have warned farmers to prepare for another steep fuel price increase this month. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Caught in a price spiral: Farmers brace for major losses

1st Jul 2022
Parts of the Western Cape, such as the Central Karoo, are still experiencing drought. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Drought-burdened farmers receive R48m. in fodder

1st Jul 2022
Through his company, Iboyana agri farming, Mhlengi Ngcobo is changing the lives of youth and women in his community. Photo:Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Self-taught farmer doing his bit for the greater good

30th Jun 2022
Research has revealed that less than three in 10 farmers in the upper parts of Africa use technology. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Technology not a priority for Africa’s smallholder farmers

30th Jun 2022
The Mamahlola Communal Property Association was among the first to be established in 2000, but due to underinvestment, their land soon turned into a symbol of government’s land restoration failure. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

The poverty-fighting tool that’s not fighting poverty

30th Jun 2022
Langeberg & Ashton Foods provides employment for around 250 permanent and 4 300 seasonal staff. Photo: Supplied

ICYMI: Search for fruit factory buyer continues

30th Jun 2022
Michele Carelse, founder, and CEO of Feelgood Health, Aquaponics horticulturalist, PJ Phiri Gwengo, Dr Didi Claassen, Afrivets executive for technical and marketing support, and Sibusiso Xaba, co-founder and CEO of Africa Cannabis Advisory Group. Photo:Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Podcast: Learn the basics of growing microgreens

29th Jun 2022
John Deere Launches Africa’s Largest Capacity Combine. Photo:Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Get inside Africa’s largest combine harvester

30th Jun 2022
Food scraps and yard waste together currently make up more than 30% of what we throw away, and could be composted instead. Babalwa Mpayipheli uses the technique of bokashi composting. Photo: Supplird/Health For Mzansi

How to make compost with kitchen scraps

29th Jun 2022
Archive photo. The drought in a region of the Eastern Cape is already having a devastating impact on urban farmers. Photo: Supplied/NSPCA

E. Cape drought: ‘No hope. Our animals are dying’

29th Jun 2022
The prize bull at the historic auction sold for over R17 000. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

ICYMI: Historic kickstart for Engcobo livestock economy

29th Jun 2022
Beef up your understanding of SA’s red meat industry

Beef up your understanding of SA’s red meat industry

28th Jun 2022
  • Home
  • News
  • Changemakers
  • Lifestyle
  • Farmer’s Inside Track
  • Food for Thought
11 GLOBAL MEDIA AWARDS
Fri, Jul 1, 2022
Food For Mzansi
  • Home
  • News
  • Changemakers
    • All
    • AgriCareers
    • Entrepreneurs
    • Farmers
    • Groundbreakers
    • Innovators
    • Inspiration
    • It Takes a Village
    • Mentors
    • Movers and Shakers
    • Partnerships
    Through his company, Iboyana agri farming, Mhlengi Ngcobo is changing the lives of youth and women in his community. Photo:Supplied/Food For Mzansi

    Self-taught farmer doing his bit for the greater good

    Reggie Kambule from Villiers in the Free State runs a 185 hectare farm where he breeds livestock and cultivates maize. Photo:Supplied/Food For Mzansi

    Engineer-turned farmer takes pride in good results

    Agripreneur 101: Sweet success for jam producer

    Agripreneur 101: Sweet success for jam producer

    Real Housewife turns passion for wine into a business

    Real Housewife turns passion for wine into a business

    David Mthombeni is building an agriculture empire for his family.Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

    Farmer gets his hands dirty while building family empire

    Gauteng farmers give youth a leg-up in agriculture

    Women in farming give youth a leg up in agriculture

    Watch out, these young farmers are on fire!

    Watch out, these young farmers are on fire!

    Unati Speirs has vast experience in agri-business strategy and business funding and was recently appointed as a new board director for Hortgro. Photos: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

    Youngest Hortgro hotshot takes transformation to heart

    Prof Kennedy Mnisi a dedicated young man who wants to help livestock farmers with animal health education to prevent diseases. Picture. Supplied/ Food For Mzansi.

    Animal scientist works hard to earn top dog status

  • Lifestyle
  • Farmer’s Inside Track
  • Food for Thought
No Result
View All Result
Food For Mzansi

How to start beekeeping in Mzansi

by Dona Van Eeden
17th Aug 2021
in Farmer's Inside Track
Reading Time: 7 mins read
A A
beekeeping in mzansi

Beekeeping offers an array of opportunities for farmers both big and small - from the space in which they can be kept to the products and services they will help you offer. Use this as your guide to get started. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Beekeeping, also called apiculture, can be done as a hobby, small-scale as a backyard business or even as a larger, commercial enterprise. The versatility and scalability of this farming method makes it an exciting possibility for a wide range of aspiring farmers.

You might, however, be wondering about everything from how to start acquiring bees to how to take care of them and what to do with the products they produce. Here is your guide to beekeeping in Mzansi:

Mmabatho Portia Morudi runs a beekeeping business on her Iliju Bee Farm in Winterveld. Her passion for beekeeping stemmed from saving endangered bee species. While the African honeybee is not officially classified as endangered, it is facing many threats. These threats include pests and diseases, losing wild spaces for foraging, and problems arising from the misuse of pesticides and insecticides.

ADVERTISEMENT
beekeeping in mzansi
Mmabatho Morudi’s career began in 2012 after she went for a beekeeping course where she discovered that bees are dying out. She wanted to save them and boost the dwindling honey industry. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Besides saving our African honeybee from endangerment, Morudi also wanted to assist local economic development and food security challenges. That goal turned into the creation of The Village Market SA.

The Village Market was established out of need for ideal spaces for bees to thrive. It trains village communities in sustainable beekeeping and nature conservation, and then buy back the produce, offering different bee-produced products and fresh produce to consumers.

“We set up bee farms in rural communities to assist farmers with bee pollination, which improves their crops and yields,” says Morudi. “And once their produce is ready, we buy it, beautifully package it in wooden crates and deliver it to homes, wellness centres and companies.”

Morudi shares her experience and knowledge of beekeeping and its benefits.

ALSO READ: Meet the woman saving our bees one farm at a time

Getting started

For Morudi, the first thing you should do is gain some knowledge or training in beekeeping.

“A basic course should get you going,” she says.

Organisations such as the South African Bee Industry Organisation (SABIO) provide much-needed information and the latest research on beekeeping. Bhive is a South African beekeeping website that lists potential beekeeping associations to join across South Africa.

beekeeping in mzansi
The basic tools you will need are a hive tool, a smoker and a bee brush (and a beekeeping suit, of course). Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

After that you can determine the area where you want to keep your hives, whether it is safe for your bees and safe for the people nearby. Morudi mentions that you must check the municipal bylaws and regulations that outline where and how many hives you will be allowed to keep in your area.

ADVERTISEMENT

A basic beehive can be built or bought to start off, and the basic tools you will need are a hive tool, a smoker and a bee brush.

Anyone who wants to start beekeeping must register with the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development (DALRRD).  

Find the DALRRD beekeeping registration form and more info about beekeeping here.

What products do bees produce?

There are many different products and services that are produced by bees, which can change depending on the type of bees you choose to keep.

Besides honey, Morudi lists that bees can also produce the following products:

  • Beeswax
  • Pollen (used for a variety of medicinal purposes)
  • Propolis (a compound thought to fight infections and heal wounds)
  • Royal jelly (used in skin creams and dietary supplements)
  • Bee venom (used for a variety of medicinal purposes)
beekeeping products
Farming with honeybees won’t just give you honey. Bees produce a variety of products and services, including pollination services. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

“Beeswax is proving to be a profitable by-product,” Morudi says.

Besides marketable products, bees can also provide pollination services. In South Africa we have many crops that are dependent on bees for pollination, and your bees can be rented out to provide this service.

Types of bees

There are over 900 bee species found in Mzansi, of which only two produce honey.

“South Africa has two indigenous sub-species [of honeybees],” says Morudi. These are the African honeybee (Apis mellifera scutellata) and the Cape bee (Apis mellifera capensis).

mzansi beekeeping
Of the 900 or so bee species in Mzansi, only two of them produce honey. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

While both of these honeybee species can be found throughout South Africa, the Cape bee tends to occur in the southwestern part of Mzansi, while the African honeybee prefers the regions in the central and northern parts of the country.

According to Bhive, the Cape bee tends to be less aggressive than the African bee (and less likely to sting!).

Acquiring bees and beehives

Morudi was able to kick-start her beekeeping business by using the traditional method to catch bees: She placed beehives near trees or flowers so that nearby bees could discover the hives and make it their home.

The other way, of course, is building or buying a beehive and buying bees from an established beekeeper.

There are different types of hives which you can build or buy in which to keep your bees, but it is recommended to put these on a sturdy frame above the ground so that it is easier to work with without bending all the time.

If you have a backyard, smallholding or a farm, you can place it anywhere you have adequate space. Morudi advises that the hives should be placed in areas with adequate foraging where there is minimal use of harmful insecticides or pesticides in the area.

beehive
There are different ways to build a beehive, or you can just buy a ready-made one. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

A simple Google search for beehives and beekeepers in your area will point you in the right direction. Joining a beekeeping society near you will also be helpful in finding out more about best practices, tools and training.

Tips from a beekeeper

Before heading into any new farming venture, it is important to learn from others who have already walked the road on which you are about to embark.

Morudi has the following tips for people who want to start beekeeping as a hobby or as an income-generating business:

“Before investing in beekeeping, start with some form of training,” Morudi says. “Read up on the subject as this will save you time and money.”

“You don’t have to start too big,” she says as well.

Morudi says it is possible to start beekeeping from the comfort of your backyard.

“Invest in bee-friendly plants. That will attract bees to your backyard.”

ALSO READ: This farmer smiles when she hears bees buzzing

Tags: african honey beeapiculturebeekeepingfarm guideiliju bee farmMmabatho (Portia) Morudipollinationsouth african bee industry organisation (SABIO)The Village Market SA
Previous Post

Women to play key role in food system – if we work at it

Next Post

18-35s may be up for vaxxing by the end of the week

Dona Van Eeden

Dona Van Eeden

Dona van Eeden is a budding writer and journalist, starting her career as an intern at Food for Mzansi. Furnished with a deep love and understanding of environmental systems and sustainable development, she aims to make the world a better place however she can. In her free time you can find her with her nose in a book or wandering on a mountain, looking at the world through her camera's viewfinder.

Related Posts

Yao honey-hunters harvesting a honeybee nest in Niassa Special. Reserve, Mozambique, where human-honeyguide cooperation still thrives. Photo: Supplied/Jessica van der Wal

Why human-honeyguide cooperation must be preserved

by The Conversation
20th Jun 2022
0

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Today, human-honeyguide cooperation is becoming scarcer because of changing cultures and deteriorating habitats. It's therefore imperative to...

On this week's episode of Farmer's Inside Track, Food For Mzansi speaks to Ryan Newborn co-owner of Murraysburg Garlic in the Western Cape, Jackye Riddle from DragonFruit Patensie, Thabile Nkunjana agricultural economist at the National Agricultural Marketing Council, and David Sonnenberg, owner of Diemersfontein wine. Photo: Food For Mzansi

Podcast: Why the global bee population is dwindling

by Duncan Masiwa
10th May 2022
0

The world is in a crisis when it comes to its global bee population and agricultural role players are on...

Seize farming opportunities where the money lies

Seize farming opportunities where the money lies

by Nicole Ludolph
22nd Feb 2022
0

A successful farm is one that makes money. No matter how small you start, there are opportunities to grow if...

With an agriculture degree behind her name, Danelene Ruiters now inspires the children of farmworkers in Wellington in the Western Cape. Photo: Supplied/Ashley Manuel

Rural and proud: A muse for farmworkers’ children

by Tiisetso Manoko
21st Jan 2022
0

Not too long ago, Danelene Ruiters was one of the farmworkers’ children who did not see a future in agriculture....

Next Post
Those who are 18 years and older may be able to get their Covid-19 vaccinations from the end of this week onwards. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

18-35s may be up for vaxxing by the end of the week

Research has revealed that less than three in 10 farmers in the upper parts of Africa use technology. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi
International News

Technology not a priority for Africa’s smallholder farmers

by Duncan Masiwa
30th Jun 2022
0

AGRITECH: As farming technology moves along at a rapid pace, it's crucial to get more African smallholder farmers on board....

Read more
The Mamahlola Communal Property Association was among the first to be established in 2000, but due to underinvestment, their land soon turned into a symbol of government’s land restoration failure. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

The poverty-fighting tool that’s not fighting poverty

30th Jun 2022
Langeberg & Ashton Foods provides employment for around 250 permanent and 4 300 seasonal staff. Photo: Supplied

ICYMI: Search for fruit factory buyer continues

30th Jun 2022
Michele Carelse, founder, and CEO of Feelgood Health, Aquaponics horticulturalist, PJ Phiri Gwengo, Dr Didi Claassen, Afrivets executive for technical and marketing support, and Sibusiso Xaba, co-founder and CEO of Africa Cannabis Advisory Group. Photo:Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Podcast: Learn the basics of growing microgreens

29th Jun 2022
John Deere Launches Africa’s Largest Capacity Combine. Photo:Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Get inside Africa’s largest combine harvester

30th Jun 2022

Caught in a price spiral: Farmers brace for major losses

Real Housewife turns passion for wine into a business

ICYMI: Historic kickstart for Engcobo livestock economy

‘Our town will be a dead town’

Fresh produce markets ‘at tipping point’

Technology not a priority for Africa’s smallholder farmers

THE NEW FACE OF SOUTH AFRICAN AGRICULTURE

With 11 global awards in the first three years of its existence, Food For Mzansi is much more than an agriculture publication. It is a movement, unashamedly saluting the unsung heroes of South African agriculture. We believe in the power of agriculture to promote nation building and social cohesion by telling stories that are often overlooked by broader society.

Caught in a price spiral: Farmers brace for major losses

Drought-burdened farmers receive R48m. in fodder

Self-taught farmer doing his bit for the greater good

Technology not a priority for Africa’s smallholder farmers

The poverty-fighting tool that’s not fighting poverty

ICYMI: Search for fruit factory buyer continues

  • Our Story
  • Contact Us
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright

Contact us
Office: +27 21 879 1824
WhatsApp line: +27 81 889 9032
Marketing: +27 71 147 0388
News: info@foodformzansi.co.za
Advertising: sales@foodformzansi.co.za

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Changemakers
  • Lifestyle
  • Farmer’s Inside Track
  • Food for Thought

Copyright © 2021 Food for Mzansi

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
Go to mobile version