By Maile Matsimela
In his speech last week at the South African Bee Industry, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen outlined the critical role of beekeeping in sustainable agriculture and national food security. The Minister’s address highlighted several key aspects of relevance to bee farmers across the country.
Minister Steenhuisen began by establishing the fundamental importance of bees to our food systems. “When we think of agriculture, we often think of land, water, livestock and crops. However, without pollinators, particularly bees, our food system simply would not function,” he stated. He further said bees are “not just contributors to our agricultural system, but are foundational to its very survival,” noting their role in pollinating over 75% of global food crops.
For South African bee farmers, the Minister’s recognition of beekeeping as “a strategic national priority, not just a niche practice for hobbyists or specialist farmers” signals a significant shift in government perspective. This elevation in status could translate to greater support and resources for the industry.
The speech addressed the economic opportunities within beekeeping, which presents valuable information for current and prospective bee farmers. “With relatively low land and capital requirements, beekeeping offers a viable entry point for youth, women and rural entrepreneurs,” Minister Steenhuisen remarked. He highlighted the diverse income streams available through “honey, beeswax, propolis and other hive products” that “can generate income through local markets, agro-processing, and even exports”.
Of particular concern to bee farmers is the Minister’s acknowledgment of threats facing bee populations. “Habitat loss owing to urban sprawl, deforestation and monoculture farming is reducing the availability of forage. The misuse of pesticides and herbicides, especially neonicotinoids and glyphosates, is weakening the bees’ immune systems and reducing colony viability,” he explained. Additionally, he recognised the impact of “invasive pests such as the capensis clone, varroa mite and American foulbrood” that have “devastated colonies in some parts of our country.”
In response to these challenges, the Minister outlined several government initiatives that will directly benefit bee farmers. “As Government, we are responding to these challenges by investing in sustainable land-use practices, reducing chemical exposure through stricter pesticide regulation, and supporting indigenous vegetation corridors that sustain pollinator networks,” he assured. Furthermore, he committed: “Our government will continue to intensify the implementation and enforcement of the regulatory framework (control measures relating to beekeeping) to manage bee diseases and the capensis challenge.”
Research support was also addressed, with Minister Steenhuisen revealing his department has commissioned the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) to conduct research on bees. The project specifically focuses on the surveillance of American foulbrood (AFB) in honeybee colonies in South Africa. This research will eventually inform “a consolidated National Beekeeping Strategy for South Africa,” providing bee farmers with a clearer regulatory and support framework.
The Minister recognised the current limitations of the industry, noting: “South Africa’s formal beekeeping industry is still relatively small. Fewer than 2 000 registered beekeepers service a growing demand for pollination services.” This acknowledgment of industry capacity constraints, coupled with his observation that “demand for managed bee colonies is projected to exceed the capacity of our current apiculture base,” suggests market growth opportunities for bee farmers.
Indigenous bee species were specifically highlighted, with the Minister stating: “We are also encouraging the domestication and management of indigenous honeybee species, such as Apis mellifera scutellata (African honeybee), which is found in the central and northern part of the country, and Apis mellifera capensis (Cape honeybee), which is found in the southern part of the country.” He noted these species’ advantages, being “better adapted to local environments and climatic stress.”
The Minister concluded with a powerful commitment to the industry: “We recognise the enormous potential of beekeeping to transform rural economies, support sustainable agriculture, and drive ecological stewardship. With the right investment, regulations, and coordination, the apiculture sector can become one of the most dynamic and inclusive segments of our agricultural economy.”
