Dear WCBA Members,
We are pleased to announce that the Western Cape Bee Industry Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held at 9:00 AM on Saturday, 15 March 2025, at the renowned Spice Route wine farm and food destination in Paarl. As many members as possible are encouraged to attend the AGM. Your active involvement is the lifeblood of the association!
While the focus will be on the AGM proceedings, the owners of Spice Route have generously offered us the opportunity to host a small Honey Festival and Beehive Products Market. This will take place on their beautiful shaded lawn, located in front of their popular eateries and visitors’ centre – a prime location with ample foot traffic. This is a fantastic opportunity to promote our craft to the many visitors who frequent Spice Route on a summer Saturday.
The AGM agenda, which will be shared in due course, features several distinguished guest speakers who will discuss topics relevant to our beekeeping community. Additionally, in line with the WCBA constitution, part of the meeting will be dedicated to electing three new committee members, allowing more of our general membership the chance to actively shape the future of our association.
We strongly encourage you to consider standing for committee membership. As WCBA’s advocacy role expands, we need a diverse group of voices to help navigate the challenges facing our industry. To nominate yourself, please have a fellow WCBA member complete the Committee Nomination Form.
Furthermore, we invite you to submit nominations for the Beekeeper of the Year award. This prestigious recognition honours individuals who consistently go above and beyond, demonstrating innovation, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our community. Last year’s recipient, Pieter Loubser, set an inspiring example. Please use this Beekeeper of the Year Nomination Form to nominate someone deserving of this honour. Both committee and Beekeeper of the Year nominations must be submitted by 28 February 2025.
As we approach the end of WCBA’s financial year on 28 February, we remind you to renew your membership promptly. In a break with the past, the committee has decided to allow the AGM to determine whether or not to levy an increase in the annual subscription. This means that members who renew before the AGM can do so at the current rate, while those renewing after the AGM may encounter a revised fee. Renewals can be completed using the attached form or online at www.wcba.co.za. Please note that all payments must now be made to WCBA’s First National Bank account (No: 63050292499); payments to the old ABSA account will not be processed.
Being part of WCBA strengthens our collective ability to address pressing challenges – from combating theft and vandalism of beehives to mitigating losses caused by wildfires and floods, as well as tackling the proliferation of fake or adulterated honey in the market. Through unity and collaboration, we can continue to advocate for and support beekeepers across the Western Cape. We wish you a prosperous 2025, filled with bountiful harvests and thriving colonies. Just as importantly, may you continue to find joy and fulfilment in your beekeeping journey. Together, as a collegial and committed association, we can overcome obstacles and achieve great things for our industry.
