The North West Province was abuzz as it hosted Sabio BeeCon 2026, the National Bee Conference, at Sun City, Rustenburg, in partnership with the South African Bee Industry Organisation (Sabio).
Held under the theme, “Pollinators for food security, economic growth and rural transformation,” the two-day conference brought together emerging and commercial beekeepers from across South Africa, alongside stakeholders from the agricultural, research and beekeeping sectors.
The conference provided an important platform to discuss industry developments, challenges and opportunities, while identifying practical ways to strengthen collaboration, encourage innovation and support sustainable sector growth.
A key focus was the vital role of pollinators in supporting crop production, strengthening agricultural resilience and improving food security. Delegates further examined measures to protect and develop pollinator populations as a strategic resource within South Africa’s agricultural sector.
North West beekeepers were among the top performers at the National Honey, Mead and Value-Added Products Competition, presented in collaboration with the Honey Judges’ and Stewards’ Guild of South Africa.
Among those recognised for excellence were Kenalemang Mooketsi, Gabathata Matshidiso, Thato Lesufi, Peter Mputle, Lukas Radise and Lenah Mosiapoa. Their achievements reflect the growing expertise, innovation and commitment of beekeepers across the province.
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The department of agriculture in North West said in a statement that the competition formed part of the conference programme and celebrated excellence in honey production, mead-making and value-added bee products.
“At the conclusion of the conference, delegates adopted several resolutions aimed at advancing South Africa’s beekeeping industry.
“These include implementing the National Beekeeping Strategy as the sector’s guiding framework; strengthening national bee health systems; recognising pollination as strategic agricultural infrastructure; improving consumer confidence and industry competitiveness; protecting forage resources; strengthening colony resilience; expanding participation in the sector; promoting evidence-based decision-making; and improving coordination among stakeholders,” the department said.
Chairperson of Sabio, Tumi Mobu, thanked the North West province and the beekeeping community for contributing to a successful conference.
“Thank you to the North West Province for its warm hospitality and to all the beekeepers, partners and stakeholders whose participation contributed to the success of this conference,” Mobu said.
She added that the conference resolutions would be implemented through collaboration between industry stakeholders, government departments and research institutions, including the North West department of agriculture and rural development and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC).
The North West MEC for agriculture and rural development, Madoda Sambatha, expressed appreciation to Sabio for selecting the province to host the national gathering.
He highlighted beekeeping as an accessible agricultural enterprise capable of creating opportunities for young people, women and rural entrepreneurs.
“With the right technical support, mentorship and access to markets, beekeeping provides opportunities to build sustainable enterprises that contribute both to household incomes and to the wider agricultural economy.”
The MEC also congratulated all participants, exhibitors, stakeholders and award recipients for contributing to the success of the conference.
“Our focus should be on creating an environment where these enterprises can grow into successful businesses that create jobs and invest back into their communities,” said MEC Sambatha.
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