Blake happy to rescue bees

Ernest Ullman Park Recreation Centre in Morningside was a no-go area on the 23 September, after a beehive was destroyed. Messages were quickly spread on the community WhatsApp group, warning residents not to enter the park.

Jacqui Thompson a Morningside Manor resident claimed that someone had chopped the honeycomb and left it in the area frequented by dog walkers, children and runners. Parkmore beekeeper Michael Blake was then called to have a look and rescue the bees. He added, “There was a tree trunk that had been cut down and the beehive was laying on the side exposed, it was just a mess.”

Blake explained how the bees managed to spread quickly in the park. “When the queen bee leaves, the other bees will also follow, then they will start spreading all over searching for a new place.”

Blake urged the public to contact him if they have a safe environment to put up hives as there is a shortage of land for them.

Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development Training official, Kobus Kempe outlined the importance of bees to the environment. ”

Bees are essential for pollination and we also know that bees produce honey for us. We also need to take into consideration that bees contribute to the food chain.”

Kempe further revealed that it is illegal to destroy beehives according to the environmental act. “We have got bee removal companies nationwide so if one comes across an unwanted beehive, they should be your first resort,” he explained.

“However, we do have an exemption, like if the bees are near a hospital or children’s daycare – where they can cause harm to the people around them, one can proceed to destroy them.”

Related articles:

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/226057/world-bees-day-20-may-shows-can-save-bee/

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/231993/bees-make-propolis-protect-hives-humans-using-thousands-years/