Vulintaba the home of the African Killer Bee
A Vulintaba home owners association beekeeping project
Beekeeping and the protection of bees has become an especially important aspect, not just in South Africa, but worldwide. There is a tremendous shortage of bees, new beekeepers entering the industry, as well as the massive
decrease of bee forage.
Since the earliest of times man has been associated with honeybees. This has been evidenced by the role honey, wax and bees play in mythology and rituals of ancient man.
Pictorial evidence of honeybee combs and honey harvesting is found in many San Bushmen rock paintings throughout the Drakensberg area. Such a honeybee rock painting can also be found in the close vicinity of Vulintaba which strikingly depicts the San Bushmen’s relationship to bees and honey in this area.
Currently there are more than three known natural hives in the Vulintaba Residential area alone. Some of these hives are however situated in Electrical boxes and areas which are not bee-friendly. The hives are growing at a considerable pace and can create a problem that may result in the destruction of the colonies. In order to protect the Bee Colonies and ensure that they survive, these colonies must be relocated sooner than later. The Estate Management investigated and consulted specialists on the possibility of the establishment of a Bee-Keeping Project on Vulintaba.
Together with a Bee-Keeping specialist, 5 suitable Apiary sites were identified on the Estate which are well protected with suitable food and water in the nearby area. These Apiaries, once established will be maintained by the Vulintaba HOA.
The farming of bees is very seasonal, and we must work around it. Swarming season is in August/September and we will capitalize by catching the “Trek Swarms” then. Placing of 10-20 Catch boxes in the Vulintaba Residential area will ensure that any moving swarms will rather fly into the catch boxes than making home in some buildings or equipment. As the colonies are caught, they will be placed in the designated apiary sites, the bees would now be able to be managed and farmed.
By introducing this beekeeping project at Vulintaba, we will ensure not only the survival of the Bee colonies, but also:
- The Biodiversity at Vulintaba will change for the better. This will have a rollover and chain effect by increasing the flora and then the fauna.
- Catch boxes will be placed around the Estate to catch any splits from wild colonies. This will be pro-active rather that re-active (removals).
- Bees will much rather move into a catch box than into a house roof that will require a bee removal.
- All bees that are trapped at Vulintaba will be relocated to the apiary sites.
- Apiary sites will be well maintained and in safe areas within the Vulintaba property.
- The bees will not pose a danger to the residents once placed in the Apiary sites.
- Vulintaba HOA will contribute to the protection and sustainability of the bees in South Africa.
- Once the project has been Established, Raw honey production can lead to the branding of Vulintaba Natural Honey and sales to sustain the Project.
- The Highveld Protea, various Sugarbush and the indigenous vegetation will provide a unique honey.
- Minimize pesticide use – “Work with nature, not against nature”.
- The bees will be farmed and managed on a professional basis to ensure optimal beekeeping and honey production.
Should you have any queries regarding this project, please CLICK ON the HOA Estate Manager Office contact details.