Stamps raise awareness of bees to the world
The stamps are valid postage for small international letters, and as a result thousands of stamps creating awareness of bees and their plight will travel the world.
THE South African Post Office has issued a set of stamps entitled Bees for Africa to create awareness around the importance of bees in the environment.
The stamp sheet and first day envelope, which was issued on 12 July, were designed by Jessica Delaney, a student from Johannesburg. There is great concern in conservation circles about the dwindling numbers of honey bees mainly as a result of pollution and widespread use of pesticides.
This concern is justified as bees are much more than just producers of honey. They provide an essential pollination service to farmers, and without honeybees, thousands of plant species may die out and fruit and vegetable farming will become virtually impossible. Honeybees pollinate about 50 types of crop across South Africa.
The stamps are valid postage for small international letters, and as a result thousands of stamps creating awareness of bees and their plight will travel the world.
The stamps will be available from all major Post Office branches and can also be ordered via sastamps@postoffice.co.za. The cost is R9, 15 per stamp.
