Benoni becomes a hive of activity

Through careful and coordinated muted movements, the Eastern Highveld Beekeepers Association (EHBA) has successfully moved bee hives to its new educational apiary, within the Benoni AH.

Due to the risk of theft and vandalism, the exact location of the apiary cannot be disclosed.

According to Pete Beart (EHBA chairperson), the association’s 60 members are thrilled with the development of the new facility, which will not only see keepers continuing to produce high-quality natural honey without the threat of damage, but will also serve as a research hub.

“One of our members had generously made the property available to us in the form of a safe, secure and centrally located site for the development of the apiary,” he said.

“Through donations from other members and suppliers, the site was planned, cleared and is ready to host its first hives. This will be their new home during winter and we hope to start guided tours in spring.”

Beart continues by saying that the local honey industry is booming due to the public’s growing interest in sourcing and consuming natural pure honey.

“Our bee populations are under threat due to insecticides being used in commercial farming,” he said.

“Many farmers are renting hives from local keepers to boost pollination throughout their crops, but interventions such as these further pose a threat to other natural pollinators such as butterflies and ladybugs. There needs to be a natural balance.”

Looking forward to the evolution of the association’s programmes, Beart says that it will soon be rolling educational projects, which are aimed at training up-and-coming beekeepers about responsible honey farming.

“We will also be involving local schools in an attempt to not only highlight the importance of bees within the ecosystem but to also pique their interest into pursuing this as a lifelong hobby and even a career,” he said.

“Bees are magnificent little creatures and every facet of their lives is intricate and miraculous.

“Many things can be taught through the use of textbooks. Bees, however, do not read the same textbooks and their ‘bee-haviours’ are constantly changing and surprising us. They are evolving in order to survive in a world we as humans are changing.”

In closing, Beart reiterated that residents need not worry about the new buzzing neighbours as they pose no threat to humans or animals.

He is confident that their presence will result in the natural beautification of the flora in the area due to increased pollination.

For more information, contact Beart on 063 689 3700.

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