North West became the host of the National Beekeeping Conference Sabio BeeCon 2026, which took place in the town of Rustenburg, in the Sand City area. The event was held with the support of the South African Beekeeping Organization (Sabio).
Conference Theme and Participants
The two-day conference was dedicated to the theme 'Pollinators for Food Security, Economic Growth, and Rural Transformation.' It brought together both novice and commercial beekeepers from across South Africa, as well as representatives from the agricultural, research, and beekeeping sectors.
The main goal of the forum was to discuss current trends, challenges, and prospects of the industry, as well as to find practical methods to strengthen cooperation, stimulate innovation, and support the sustainable development of the sector.
The Importance of Pollinators for Agriculture
A key moment was the discussion on the critically important role of pollinators in ensuring crop yields, enhancing agricultural sustainability, and improving food security. Delegates examined in detail ways to protect and develop pollinator populations as a strategic resource in South Africa's agricultural sector.
Recognition of Beekeepers' Achievements
Beekeepers from North West achieved high rankings in the National Honey, Mead, and Value-Added Products Competition. This competition was conducted jointly with the Guild and Keepers of the South African Honey Judges. Among those recognized for outstanding achievements were Kenalemang Muketsi, Gabata Matshidiso, Tato Lesufi, Peter Mputle, Lucas Radise, and Lenah Mosiapoa. Their successes demonstrate the growing experience, innovation, and commitment of beekeepers in the province.
Industry Resolutions and Development Plans
The North West Department of Agriculture stated that the competition was part of the conference program and highlighted excellence in honey production, mead making, and value-added beekeeping products. At the conclusion of the conference, delegates adopted several resolutions aimed at advancing the South African beekeeping industry.
These resolutions include implementing a National Beekeeping Strategy as the guiding framework for the sector, strengthening national bee health systems, recognizing pollination as strategic agricultural infrastructure, increasing consumer trust and industry competitiveness, protecting forage resources, strengthening colony resilience, expanding sector participation, promoting evidence-based decision-making, and improving coordination among stakeholders.
Acknowledgements and Prospects
Sabio Chairperson, Thumi Mbo, expressed gratitude to the North West province and the beekeeping community for successfully hosting the conference. She specified that the decisions made will be implemented through the joint efforts of industry participants, government departments, and research institutions, including the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC).
The MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development of North West, Madoda Sambata, thanked Sabio for choosing the province as the venue for the national gathering. He emphasized that beekeeping is an accessible agricultural enterprise capable of creating opportunities for youth, women, and rural entrepreneurs. The MEC also congratulated all participants, exhibitors, stakeholders, and award winners on the success of the conference, stating that the focus should be on creating conditions for these enterprises to grow into successful businesses that create jobs and reinvest in communities.