The North West is positioning beekeeping as a growing economic opportunity that can create rural enterprises while strengthening food security and agricultural production.
The province hosted the 2026 National Bee Conference at Sun City from 30 June to 1 July, bringing together emerging and commercial beekeepers, researchers, agricultural stakeholders and industry representatives from across South Africa.
Hosted by the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in partnership with the South African Bee Industry Organisation, the conference focused on the theme, “Pollinators for Food Security, Economic Growth and Rural Transformation.”
The gathering explored how South Africa can grow its beekeeping sector, protect pollinators and create more opportunities for young people, women and rural entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses.
Beekeeping extends beyond honey production. Bees and other pollinators play an important role in agricultural production, supporting crops and contributing to the resilience of food systems.
Delegates discussed the need to recognise pollination as strategic agricultural infrastructure and considered ways to protect forage resources, improve colony resilience and strengthen national bee health systems.
The conference also placed attention on the economic opportunities available through honey production, pollination services, mead and value-added products.
North West beekeepers were among the top performers at the National Honey, Mead and Value-Added Products Competition, held in collaboration with the Honey Judges’ and Stewards’ Guild of South Africa.
Kenalemang Mooketsi, Gabathata Matshidiso, Thato Lesufi, Peter Mputle, Lukas Radise and Lenah Mosiapoa were among those recognised for achievements in honey production, mead-making and value-added bee products.
The awards highlighted the growing skills and product innovation emerging from the province’s beekeeping community.
North West Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Madoda Sambatha said beekeeping has the potential to create practical economic opportunities, particularly in rural communities.
“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,” Sambatha said.
“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.”
Delegates concluded the conference by adopting a series of resolutions aimed at developing a more competitive, inclusive and sustainable national beekeeping sector.
These include implementing the National Beekeeping Strategy as a guiding framework, strengthening bee health systems, protecting forage resources, improving colony resilience and expanding participation in the industry.
The resolutions also call for stronger evidence-based decision-making, improved consumer confidence, greater industry competitiveness and closer coordination between government, industry and research institutions.
SABIO Chairperson Tumi Mobu said implementing the resolutions would require cooperation across the sector.
“The conference resolutions will 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,” Mobu said.
The conference demonstrated how beekeeping can connect environmental sustainability with enterprise development and food security.
For emerging farmers and rural entrepreneurs, the sector offers opportunities across honey production, hive management, pollination services and the development of value-added products.
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said it would continue working with industry stakeholders, research institutions and beekeepers to create an environment in which these enterprises can grow.
The conference concluded with government, industry and research partners committing to work together to strengthen South Africa’s beekeeping sector and unlock its potential to support food security, economic growth and rural transformation.
