The 3rd Africa Regional Apimondia Symposium which took place at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) from 21 – 24 March 2023 yielded relationships for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) with other African countries and beekeepers. The four-day conference and networking platform was an information-sharing and policy development session for the apiculture economy that is expected to grow exponentially in Africa and particularly the North West Province of South Africa in the coming years.
MEC Mohono pronounced during her address at the symposium that as part of collaborating with African countries to grow the industry, the department will embark on an excursion to Tanzania during the year to benchmark the successful methods that it has implemented for its farmers including beekeepers. She also emphasized the use of African natural resources especially bees in fighting the cycle of financial dependence by African countries as well as the rising unemployment, poverty, and inequality.
“It’s critical that beekeepers set an example and show people the potential that we have as Africans. This is a very rich continent, so as Africans, we need to protect what is ours. Our bees are one of the best and as African beekeepers, it is important for us to ensure we protect them from extinction. I want to appreciate you all because you have shown the world that you also have potential,” said MEC Mohono at the Apimondia Africa roundtable discussion facilitated by the International Apimondia President, Jeff Pettis.
One of the twenty beekeepers from the North West, Kamohelo Wayne Molelekwa (24) from the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District said what stood out for him as a young entrepreneur during discussions is the positive impact bees have on the environment. “As a start-up beekeeper, it is important for me to apply the solutions presented at the symposium. There are multiple strategies that we should implement especially in rural South Africa that were shared by world experts. As entrepreneurs in the North West we need to ensure the sustainability of our business. This event has assured the confidence that we have in this sector and in our leadership. We now see the importance of collaboration to grow and develop ourselves as beekeepers”.
North West beekeepers also participated in the Honey, Mead, and Bee Products Competition and were awarded in various categories including a 1st Prize in 3D Art created by Mmatau Mosiane. Other prizes awarded were 2nd and 3rd in Select Honey as well as the Beeswax Wax Block Category.
In closing the Symposium, the African Regional Apimondia Commissioner David Mukomana said the gathering was testimony that working together there is so much business that African countries can generate from apiculture. “The only reason why we have not had a lot of business coming from the sector is that we were fragmented as beekeepers. From now we would like to see people working collaboratively and this is going to propel Africa to another level because this sector can be the economic driver or significant contributor to the domestic product of many nations across the continent. If followed by looking at the discussions and feedback that I have received from the development agencies present here. I am excited that a lot of work is going to happen, a lot of community projects are going to be supported because of the discussions that have happened here and we are going to see livelihoods improved lives improved and we increase the quality of life of our communities it’s from the row communities,” said Mukomana.
