South Africa marks World Bee Day with a Call to Action for Bee Conservation and Youth Empowerment

Pretoria, 20 May 2025 — South Africa joined the global community in commemorating World Bee Day at a special event held at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in Roodeplaat, Pretoria. The celebration, led by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, South African Bee industry Organisation & Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, brought together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and beekeeping communities to highlight the essential role of bees in global food security and biodiversity.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Babadana Ahmadu, the FAO Representative for South Africa, emphasized the urgency of protecting bee populations as part of a broader effort to ensure sustainable agriculture and combat food insecurity. “Bees are the silent heroes of our agricultural systems,” Dr. Ahmadu said. “They pollinate nearly 75% of the world’s food crops, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts, making them indispensable to our diets and livelihoods.”

Dr. Ahmadu acknowledged the mounting threats facing bee populations—including habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and disease—and urged stakeholders to act decisively. “It is imperative that we take action to conserve these essential pollinators before it’s too late. Safeguarding bees is safeguarding our food supply,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of local leadership and community-based initiatives, the FAO representative also celebrated three young women entrepreneurs from the Pretoria-based beekeeping group Buzzing Brood. These women were recognized for their innovation and dedication to sustainable beekeeping. Dr. Ahmadu announced FAO’s support for the trio, presenting them with essential beekeeping equipment and protective clothing to boost their honey production and serve as role models in their communities.

“We believe in the power of youth and women to transform agriculture and promote environmental stewardship,” Dr. Ahmadu noted. “These dynamic entrepreneurs exemplify how beekeeping can support livelihoods while preserving biodiversity.”

In her address at the World Bee Day celebrations, Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, emphasized the need for collaboration to advance the beekeeping sector, stating, "We must work collectively toward growing the beekeeping sector, making it more inclusive, sustainable and aligned with ecological safety." She highlighted key challenges such as the reckless use of agrochemicals, climate change, and hive theft, calling for coordinated community and safety responses to protect beekeepers’ investments. Ramokgopa also announced upcoming trade discussions with China’s Hunan province to boost honey exports, reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to beekeeping as a pillar of sustainable agriculture and food security.

The event concluded with a joint commitment from stakeholders—including the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the National Agricultural Marketing Council, and industry partners—to strengthen policies that support bee conservation and sustainable agriculture.

World Bee Day, observed annually on 20 May, serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between pollinators and people. This year’s commemoration in South Africa reinforced the message that protecting bees is not just an environmental concern—it’s a national imperative for food security, community development, and ecological resilience.