As World Bee Day is commemorated across the globe, the MEC for the North West department of agriculture and rural development, Madoda Sambatha, is calling on farmers and communities to protect the region’s tiny, winged agricultural allies. Speaking ahead of the provincial celebration in Marikana, Sambatha underscored the essential role bees play in sustaining ecosystems, boosting food security, and supporting biodiversity.
“Bees quietly ensure our food grows and our environment thrives,” Sambatha said. “But it’s up to us to create safe, sustainable spaces for them to flourish.”
In an interview with Food For Mzansi, the MEC outlines how the department, through its partnership with the Mining Development Agency (MDA), plans to transform beekeeping from a niche practice into a commercially viable and inclusive industry.
MEC, what’s your buzz-worthy message for farmers and communities this World Bee Day?
Bees play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and food security by pollinating crops and plants, which supports reproduction, boosts yields, and preserves biodiversity in forests and pastures.
My message to the communities on this day will be to encourage them to understand the world of bees, to be open to learning about bees, and to assist in ensuring that bee populations are increased rather than depleted.
Communities are encouraged to practise sustainable agricultural methods and reduce the use of pesticides, other chemicals, and poisons, the application of which is detrimental to bees. Communities should practise sustainable, climate-smart, or environmentally friendly farming methods.
On this World Bee Day, I encourage all farmers and communities to understand how valuable bees are and to do their part to protect them. Bees help plants grow by spreading pollen, and that supports the entire ecosystem.
Our event in Marikana, themed “Be inspired by nature to nourish us all,” reminds us that when we work with nature, farming becomes stronger. Let us create safe spaces for bees because when bees do well, we all benefit.
How will your department and the MDA turn beekeeping into big business?
The department has, since 2022, undertaken concerted efforts to raise awareness about beekeeping, as well as to ensure that beekeepers are organised.
This has been done in collaboration with the ARC, which has provided most of the training and skills development and ensured that beekeepers participate in honey competitions.
Beekeepers have been exposed to the apiculture business through attending competitions and local and international beekeeping events.
Given the nature of the beekeeping industry, and the fact that not many of our communities understand the business, the department has trained four of its officials, at least one per district, to provide basic awareness and coordination of beekeeping in each district.
The agricultural marketing and agro-processing units continue to train beekeepers on food safety, registration, and compliance. In partnership with MDA, the department is helping beekeepers access markets, with MDA registering interested producers, mentoring them in honey production, and buying honey at competitive prices. This is why World Bee Day is being held at the Marikana Agri-hub, now designated as the provincial hub for beekeeping.
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The department has facilitated the formation of the North West Beekeepers Association, affiliated with Sabio, and ensured hive registration through the department of agriculture’s livestock registration unit.
As the sector grows, beekeepers will be categorised to ensure tailored support. Active beekeepers will be assisted toward commercialisation, with pollinators trained for national contracts. New entrants will receive foundational training and development support.
How are you backing beekeepers outside the Marikana hub?
While joining the Marikana Agri-hub is encouraged, the department continues to offer advisory support to beekeepers who opt out. To boost production, MDA is donating bee boxes as part of the commercialisation effort.
The department is committed to growing beekeeping into a recognised and respected farming enterprise. Through its partnership with the MDA agricultural hub, it is investing in training, equipment, and support systems to help beekeepers collaborate and access larger markets. The Marikana commemoration marks a key step in uniting partners to grow the industry and create real business opportunities for communities.
How are you making sure youth, women, and people with disabilities get real opportunities in beekeeping?
Given the vitality of youth, the nurturing role of women, the resilience of people with disabilities, and the endurance of former mineworkers and veterans, this year’s commemoration focuses on supporting these designated groups. A dedicated manager is compiling a beekeeper database to ensure targeted support.
Inclusivity is central to our work. In the beekeeping sector, we are actively creating opportunities for youth, women, and people with disabilities through tailored support – training, resources, and market access – enabling them to build viable businesses and join the formal economy.
Their participation in this year’s World Bee Day in Marikana is a clear sign of our commitment to a more inclusive and empowering agricultural sector.
While young people are already engaging in beekeeping, we aim to increase their numbers and bring greater diversity to the industry, making it stronger, more innovative, and sustainable.
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