Role players take to new Tshwane bylaw like bees to honey

A new bee bylaw that has been passed in Pretoria will save lives and contribute to the honey industry.

- Marizka Coetzer

City of Tshwane MMC for environment and agriculture management Obakeng Ramabodu confirmed the city has approved a bylaw on beekeeping to protect residents against fatal attacks.

"The revised bylaw seeks to regulate the keeping of bees in urban areas. The bylaw is necessary to strike a balance between beekeeping in urban areas and the safety of residents of the city."

Ramabodu said bees were important to food security, as the insects pollinate most edible plants, fruit and vegetables in gardens, as well as ornamental plants.

"However, bees such as the African honeybee can also be fatal.

"They attack humans and animals if disturbed, aggravated or agitated.