The South African National Biodiversity Institute estimates that the country’s honey industry has an average turnover of ZAR3.2 billion and currently produces 2 000 tons annually.

These numbers could increase but factors affecting the industry, such as the drastic decline in the number of South African beekeepers, need to be considered. The production figure dropped from 25 000 in 1980 to less than 2 000 this year.

However, employing a structural approach and strategic business model to seek investment from the government, private sector and abroad could see the industry reach a revenue of ZAR20 billion. According to a Fin24 report, this would require the inclusion of various industry stakeholders in a combined effort – aiding in the growth of the honey industry.

One region already active in boosting national honey production is KwaZulu-Natal. With government funding, the province aims to produce 100 000 tons per year while providing employment to more than 100 000 people.

7 November 2017
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