The Western Cape Bee Industry Association is celebrating local beekeepers who flew the South African flag at the 2023 UK National Honey Show.
South Africa (06 November 2023) – South African beekeepers have made us all proud, having participated in the UK National Honey Show (for the first time ever) and come back with some incredible wins and commendations for their work.
The Western Cape Bee Industry Association (WCBA) shared the happy news on their Facebook page, highlighting all the achievements of the beekeepers who took part.
“With the dust starting to settle after all the excitement of the outcome of the UK National Honey Show, the WCBA would like to formally congratulate its members who did us proud in the international categories of the competition. It was the first time South African beekeepers participated in the prestigious honey show, now in its 100th year.”
- Dawid Rooifontein won First Prize for his citrus honey;
- Audrey de Jongh won Third Prize for her eucalyptus/fynbos honey;
- Pieter Loubser was very highly commended for his rooibos honey and commended for his Renosterveld honey;
- Roxanne Norris was commended for her citrus honey;
- Achmat Kazie was commended for his display of honey and wax.
“WCBA would also like to thank Spice Route Destination, NAMPO and the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, who gave us enormous support this year in holding various events, including our own honey shows which set us on the road for international competition!”
According to the WCBA team, Dawid Rooifontein (pictured below) was elated when he got the news that his citrus honey had won. Going up against the best in the world, his win is a testament to the hard work he and his bees have put into making the unique honey.
The National Honey Show is an annual event in the United Kingdom, which highlights the beekeeping industry and all the lovely byproducts that come from keeping bees happy. This year, the event celebrated 100 years. The National Honey Show has nearly two hundred and fifty Competitive Classes to test skills. The show attracts beekeepers from all over the world to compete for the much-coveted trophies and prize cards.
While the South African beekeepers must be buzzing with their results, South Africans are just as proud to celebrate this sweet victory. Congrats to all who were involved in this year’s show.