I started beekeeping while researching community projects for a local Rotary Club in District 9300 (Johannesburg) with funding from Rotary International, New Zealand and Department of Social Welfare.

The project involved 10 community members and about 26 hectares of land and was based on the old Rentokil Head Office in Oliveinhoutbosch, Gauteng.

After doing a bee course in Pretoria I identified a complex industry that had multiple channels and opportunities. For me, getting income was the priority. I had a duty to the local community members to generate earnings.

My research showed bee removals created an immediate income generating opportunity. The community members did not have work. This project did not have funds for wages. It had to be self funded. Training and bee equipment was funded but from then on it was up to us a team to make things work and make money...

I had to make money too. I was not being paid for the project management nor for the research, work and all inputs. Plus, I had a family to provide for... and managing this project being away from home at night took me away from young kids and wife... and carried running costs for petrol.

To get the full story of how we did and what kind of income we made, read more here...