From page 23
mead maker, also a popular addition to the shop. Financially they net about R1,7 million representing a 14 % return on their capital investment before tax, considered only a fair return after all the year ' s hard work. Annually mid-December to the second week in January is holiday time and they shut down the entire works, go away on holiday or just relax at home for about three weeks. As a young 20 year-old, Ron worked as an office Johnnie in a bank and often gazed out the window to the open air, the sunshine and the trees around. His calling was for the outdoors. He started beekeeping as a hobby that grew from ten hives to 20 hives, too many for their little home in old Benoni. He joined a beekeeping association and by mixing with beekeepers he was able to extend his hive population to 200 hives, kept on farms. With tight finances, and
Bee-friendly plant book
The definitive book on plants that supply bees with their vital sources of nectar has been published by the SA National Biodiversity Institute( Sanbi), entitled Beeplants of South Africa. Written by M F Johannsmeier, author of the famous“ Blue
Book”, Beekeeping in South Africa, itisthelatestinSanbi ' s Strelitzia series of books on local plants. Over the last couple of years Sanbi has been conducting research on important forage resources for honey bees in
Continued on page 27 financial help from the bank, he purchased their plot. At the tender age of 26 years he married Carol and the hard working partnership paid off. Now, at 66 years of age and 40 years in the beekeeping game he and Carol, arm in arm, stand at their front gate and gaze upon their lifetimes ' work, their beautiful homes and gardens, the neatness of
BEEKEEPING their sweeping lawns, mature trees and flower beds, representing an investment of more than R12million, bond free. Article by Peter Clark, Chairman,
Eastern Highveld beekeepers ' Association at 011 362-2904 and information systems, Mike Alter at 011 965-6040
25 www. sasmallholder. co. za