Honeybee Heroes need helping hands after recent fires in Stanford forced the relocation of hundreds of hives across the Overberg. Helping can start right in your own garden!
Western Cape, South Africa (14 January 2026) – Fires sweeping through the Cape have left devastation in their wake. In the Overberg, flames have torn through farms, nature reserves and private properties, destroying everything in their path.
But they also brought out the helpers. Firefighters on the front lines. Strangers dropping off supplies. Animal welfare teams walking burnt land to search for survivors. People showing up for each other – and for traumatised animals.
Including the bees.
Honeybee Heroes is a conservation-driven organisation based in the Overberg. For six years, they’ve worked to protect South Africa’s Cape honeybee while creating sustainable livelihoods. The team places and manages apiaries on farms and private land, and trains women from low-income communities to become beekeepers who care for these hives across the region.
Before the fires, they managed close to 1,000 hives.
When the recent fires hit, much of the bees’ natural forage was sadly destroyed. Keeping the hives in the area was no longer an option.
“When the fires became a real threat, we had to act quickly to move our bees – but the big question was where,” they explain. “Even if the hives survived, burnt fynbos can take two to three years to regenerate. That means very little food for bees in the meantime.”
So they put out an urgent call to landowners on social media, asking if anyone could host hives.
The response was overwhelming.
“Hundreds of people reached out, offering land, access and support – most of them complete strangers,” they share. “We honestly expected a few replies, not hundreds. Some incredible offers weren’t viable as we can’t place hives on small residential properties, but we had so many farmers and large landowners step forward. It reminded us just how much people care about pollinators.”
The evacuation was intense. Team members drove up and down the Overberg, often late into the night, relocating hives from multiple apiaries.
“One night around 1am, the wind suddenly shifted and the fire came straight toward us. We had to make the heartbreaking decision to leave some hives behind to keep our team safe.”
The emotional impact of it was rough on its own. At the same time, they were securing longer-term placements, knowing the bees couldn’t be moved repeatedly without stress.
“It’s been all hands on deck – emotionally and physically exhausting,” they say. “We also couldn’t have done this without our partners, Honey House, who worked alongside us late into the night helping move hives.”
View this post on Instagram
Most of the bees were saved, but the damage has been severe.
“The Overberg is one of South Africa’s key beekeeping areas,” they explain. “Large areas of fynbos have been destroyed, which means major loss of forage. Combined with an already dry winter, we’re facing what we call a ‘green drought’. This puts huge pressure on beekeepers.”
How can you help?
Right now, Honeybee Heroes need financial support. Relocating hives safely costs money – fuel, transport and labour add up quickly. The fires will also reduce honey production, which directly impacts how Honeybee Heroes fund their conservation and women-led beekeeping programmes. Find out more how you can help the organisation here.
View this post on Instagram
Supporting local honey producers is another powerful way to help. Honey prices may rise, but buying local keeps ethical beekeepers afloat.
And then there’s one very practical way anyone with a garden can help. Grow, don’t mow. Let your garden grow wild!
“There’s going to be less forage for bees in certain areas. We’d like to encourage people to let their gardens grow wild. This will ensure vital food for bees, and our other wild pollinators who are in need too!”
by 