Interview with: Lourens Kruger
Article source: JOY! Magazine
In the heart of the Helderberg, the Cape Honey Bee Conservancy emerged in 2018 when a bee swarm found refuge in an owl box in a local garden. This unexpected event illuminated the urgent need for conservation efforts dedicated to the Cape honey bee, a unique and vital species in the Western Cape. The conservancy has since become a beacon of hope for the preservation of these bees and their integral role in the ecosystem.
Q. What inspired you to focus on the conservation of the Cape honey bee?
The Cape Honey Bee Conservancy was established in 2018 when, by chance, a bee swarm moved into an owl box in a tree in our garden. We soon realised that there was a dire need for more people in the Helderberg basin (in Cape Town) who were compassionate about conservation of our endemic bees. This is where the establishment of the first conservancy at Morgenster Estate was born.
Q. You support the Helderberg Hospice through your work. Can you tell us more?
In October 2022, we received a distressed call from Helderberg Hospice to assist them with a bee removal in the main house chimney. This was three days before their annual Open Gardens Event. To cut a long story short, we safely removed the colony from the chimney and the following day Hospice invited us to attend the event to educate the public about bees. This is how our journey with Helderberg Hospice began! Something triggered our hearts, and we adopted Helderberg Hospice as our social responsibility. In October of every year going forward, proceeds from each removal will be donated to Hospice.
Q. With over 203 bee swarms rescued, there must be some memorable stories?
There have been two that stand out as the most memorable. In mid-January 2024, I was confined within a dark, heated ceiling of a roof for six hours. I had to drink at least five litres of water that day due to the heat! The second removal was located six feet underground in soft, white beach sand in a business park. We could only remove the bees in the cover of darkness, for the safety of people who worked there in daylight hours. I remember praying for our safety. If the sand were to collapse onto one of us, we would have died.
Q. How do you approach educating the public about the importance of bees?
On multiple occasions, I have watched my son, Dylan, address primary and high school pupils. The children follow every move and word that he shares. These days, children are well informed and care deeply for their environment and the preservation of our bees! The question that most seem to ask is, “How does the bee smoker work?” The kids love to see how we ignite the smoker outdoors.
Q. What are the long-term goals for the Cape Honey Bee Conservancy?
Our relationships are built on trust with the farmers, which is paramount. By working in collaboration, we form a symbiotic relationship where both parties benefit in the pollination and preservation of bees. Planting more bee-friendly plants in your gardens would help our local bees and insects. We need the public’s support for the Cape Honey Bee Conservancy, our goal is to have 50 conservancies in the Western Cape. By supporting us you will contribute to the sustainment of this beautiful creature.
Q. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own conservation project?
Never give up, ask questions, get involved. Dylan and I have assisted several aspiring beekeepers, and we would love to help you with advice and guidance. We do not know all the answers, but we complement each other where scientific or practical advice is needed. We are mere custodians of God’s wonderful creation on earth, and it is our privilege and honour to serve as beekeepers. We see beekeeping not as a hobby, but as a calling. Saving one bee at a time! Email me on lourensandvanessa@outlook.com or call 0765648119.
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Date published: 06/10/2024
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