What’s the buzz with Janice

BEES are some of the hardest working creatures on the planet, and because of their impeccable work ethic, we owe many thanks to this amazing yet often under-appreciated insect. One person who can attest to this is local resident, Janice van Eck.

The Durban North resident, who is the chairlady of the Durban Beekeepers, took some time to explain to Northglen News about the organisation and how different the world would be if bees didn’t exist. The organisation, which helps with bee removals, also helps raise awareness and educate residents on bee behaviour.

“Bees are responsible for pollinating about one-sixth of the flowering plant species worldwide, and to say we rely on the pollination efforts of bees to sustain our food system is an understatement. The Durban Beekeepers group was formed about three years ago to hopefully spread the word about beekeeping and help people better understand the insects. Conserving bee swarms and bee safety are some of our main goals, which are under threat by man,” she explained.

“We need to rethink gardening, farming and our land management practices. We must think about what chemicals we use and how we plan to conserve bee colonies. My hope is that residents will be open to keeping beehives in their gardens and also understand bees. They are dangerous, but if left undisturbed they will not harm you.”

Van Eck was given her first swarm by beekeeping expert, Jenny Cullinan, and now has two hives, home to close to a 100 000 bees. She also produces some of her own honey and honeycombs.

“I learned about beekeeping through Skype chats with Jenny. I’ve always been interested in bees and their societal structure is just so fascinating. Bees all work for one purpose, to protect the queen and the hive. Bee keeping as a hobby is now blooming worldwide and we have around 90 members in our group, which we would like to grow,” she said.

If you would like to get involved with Durban Beekeepers, e-mail vaneckjanice@gmail.com or contact on 082 332 8786.