WORLD Bee Day was celebrated at Agricultural Research Council Vegetable and Ornamental Plants in Roodeplaat, Tshwane on Friday, 19 May.
Bee famers, exhibitors and other stakeholders were part of the celebration, where beekeepers displayed their honey.
Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mbali Hlophe, said they invited a number of stakeholders to see farmers who are in beekeeping.
She said it was good to see largely young black people and those who have been in the industry engage with each other.
"We also indicated to them the support we can give them. Furthermore, we discussed how we can strength the sector and create a niche market, especially for the type of honey we produce. Bees are important not just for creating honey for us, but for the pollination they are able to assist with like seeds," said Hlophe.
She said one can't speak about agriculture without speaking about the role that bees play. She said as small as bees are, people would be hungry without them.
Linneth Mukansi from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development encourage beekeepers to register with the department.
Beekeeper, Evan Zyl, said although beekeeping is tough, people should be beekeepers. "When marketing honey, be unique and market it yourself, don't give away your honey for free," he said.
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He said people must always safeguard their bees especially because against veld fires.
Self-taught beekeeper, Victor Mazibuko, said: "I like challenges. I explore with bees and I can heal almost everything with honey."
Khomotso Seerane from the Medicinal and Industrial Crop Research said: "Some plants are for cosmetic purposes, can regulate stomach cancer and HIV as well as fast track labor."
