Without bees, there is no agriculture! This was the consistent message during an insightful webinar in celebrating World Bee Day 2026 today.
By Maphuti Mongatane, business development manager at African Farming
African Farming joined stakeholders, researchers, beekeepers, educators and government representatives in the webinar hosted by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) in partnership with industry stakeholders.
The event served as a strong reminder that protecting pollinators is not only an environmental issue, but also an agricultural, economic and food security priority.
Last year, the African Farming team attended the World Bee Day celebrations physically at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in Roodeplaat, and this year the team once again participated in the important discussions through the online platform, continuing its commitment to supporting agricultural awareness and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Held under the global theme “Bee Together for People and the Planet”, the webinar focused on the critical role bees and pollinators play in food security, biodiversity, sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.
Programme Director Lerato Matthews emphasised the importance of partnerships in sustaining agriculture and protecting pollinators. Matthews highlighted that bees are central to food production systems and reminded participants that protecting pollinators means protecting the future of agriculture itself.
The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Head of Department, Andiswa Jass, officially opened the webinar and reflected on the province’s growing focus on sustainable agricultural development, food security and inclusive economic growth. Jass stressed that beekeeping plays an important role not only in biodiversity conservation and pollination services, but also in agro-processing and business opportunities within rural communities. She further highlighted ongoing provincial support programmes aimed at strengthening the beekeeping value chain through research, training, equipment support and partnerships with institutions such as the ARC and industry organisations.
Also read: Bees: The farmers of the sky
Pollinators under pressure: Research, regulation and plant biodiversity in focus
One of the standout presentations, “The Heart Behind the Hive”, came from Elize Lundall-Magnuson of the Agricultural Research Council. Lundall-Magnuson unpacked the realities beekeepers face and explained the increasing pressure on safe bee sites due to urbanisation, land development and environmental changes. She emphasised the importance of creating safe and sustainable environments for bees, while also encouraging experienced commercial beekeepers to mentor and support emerging entrants into the sector.
She also reminded participants that pollination is directly linked to food production, explaining how crops such as sunflowers, macadamias, onions, blueberries, citrus and many others depend heavily on pollinators.
Representing the national Department of Agriculture, Kgabo Matlala focused on regulatory frameworks, sustainability and the importance of balancing traditional knowledge with modern technology in beekeeping. He highlighted the growing importance of data, artificial intelligence and predictive monitoring systems in protecting bee colonies and improving hive management.
Matlala also cautioned against the harmful effects of pesticides on pollinators and encouraged sustainable agricultural practices that protect biodiversity and strengthen ecosystems.
Beekeeper and horticulturalist Charles Vester’s presentation explored the relationship between bees and plant biodiversity. He shared valuable insights into nectar-producing plants, flowering patterns and the importance of understanding bee-friendly environments. Vester encouraged farmers and landowners to identify and preserve plant species that provide year-round food sources for pollinators.
Also read: Bees add billions to South Africa’s crop value
Teaching the next generation while building commercial beekeeping value
Another inspiring contribution came from Ofentse Sehloho of The Buzz Brood, who highlighted the importance of introducing environmental awareness and beekeeping education to children from an early age. Sehloho explained how teaching children about bees encourages environmental responsibility, curiosity and respect for biodiversity.
Commercial beekeeper and agro-processor Kai Hichert concluded the presentations with practical insights into honey production, packaging, branding and market readiness. He encouraged beekeepers to focus on quality, presentation and value addition while reminding attendees that the true long-term financial opportunity within the sector lies in pollination services.
Throughout the webinar, one message remained consistent among all speakers: Without bees, there is no agriculture!
The event served as a strong reminder that protecting pollinators is not only an environmental issue, but also an agricultural, economic and food security priority.
African Farming remains committed to supporting conversations that uplift farmers, promote sustainable agriculture and strengthen awareness around the vital role of pollinators within the agricultural ecosystem.
Happy World Bee Day 2026!
Also read: Building a sustainable future for bees, beekeepers and biodiversity
