By Joy January
Dawid Rooifontein, a beekeeper from St Helena Bay on the West Coast, won the international category at the National Honey Show in the UK.
The show took place at the Sandown Park racecourse just outside London, with judging commencing on October 26.
Rooifontein expressed his surprise and joy at winning the award for his citrus blossom honey. “I believe this award will open many doors for all the hard work we put in,” he said.
“I am delighted that the quality of my honey is being recognised and that Western Cape honey is acknowledged as some of the best in the world.”
According to Ivor Flatman, a judge at the show, Rooifontein’s honey exhibited an attractive and sparkling colour. It had excellent viscosity with a pleasant, outstanding and lingering taste. Flatman also noted that the honey’s presentation was neat and clean.
The beginning of his passion for beekeeping
Originally from Upington, Rooifontein joined Pieter Loubser’s beekeeping farm in St Helena Bay in 2019. There, he had the opportunity to make hives under the guidance of Loubser.
“We gave him the opportunity to learn more about the honey industry and gradually allowed him to catch his own swarms. We don’t see him just as someone who works with us but as a partner because Dawid does everything with us from start to finish,” said Karen Loubser, co-owner of the farm and Pieter’s wife.
The Loubser family registered Rooifontein with the Western Cape Bee Industry Association, where he attends meetings with Pieter. While Rooifontein still works for the Loubsers, he also manages his own bees under Pieter’s mentorship.
Rooifontein produces honey with flavours such as field, fynbos, renosterveld, oak, rooibos, buchu and the popular citrus blossom. His hives are spread from St Helena Bay to Markuskraal near Citrusdal.
“Dawid has also faced losses when people break open the hives. So, he has experienced the challenging side of the honey industry. He knows what it’s like to have losses, but also the joy of catching his own swarms and harvesting honey,” said Karen.
Dr Lynn Hepplestone, a South African honey judge who attended the UK show, said Rooifontein’s honey met the expectations of a winning entry at this level and he deserved this recognition for his meticulous preparation and presentation.
“While the bees did the work, Dawid did his homework. I am so excited for him. It’s a wonderful achievement.”
Rooifontein also entered his honey in Nampo Cape and walked away with the trophy for the best performance by an emerging beekeeper.
“This young man is an example for the youth of South Africa. He entered Nampo Cape and was rewarded for his beautiful honey. He is an example of what happens when a young person is willing to learn from his mentors. He can become a leader in this field,” said Elize Lundall-Magnuson, a researcher at the Agricultural Research Council and a learner honey judge at the Honey Judges and Stewards Guild of South Africa.
