What WCBA is

WCBA is a civic, non-profit organisation, run by volunteers for the beekeeping community in the Western Cape.

What WCBA stands for

• We work to maintain a comfortable, legal environment in which to keep and / or work with bees, honey and pollination services on a research, hobby, semi-commercial or commercial scale.
• We provide information and guidance on beekeeping.
• We represent beekeepers to higher authority.
• We create platforms for beekeepers to meet, learn and network.

Why should you join WCBA?

• To meet, to learn from, to encourage and to interact with others from all walks of life who have at least one common interest – the love of bees. We all know that beekeeping takes dedication, commitment and much more, and interaction with others has many benefits. We can meet other beekeepers (who may even live around the corner) by joining a common organisation.
• To stand as a group – for events / outings (social and educational). WCBA organizes regular beekeeping oriented events throughout the year, for hobby beekeepers, for commercial interests and general beekeeping, which contain talks and demonstrations, exhibitions and exposure to relevant techniques and methods.
• Beekeeping in SA (and especially the Western Cape) is growing. We do not know how fast, nor do we know how successful we are as a community. We urgently need to start research into the extent and successes of beekeepers, but for this we need to establish contact with beekeepers. Such research would give us valuable data to answer those who see us as a threat or a bunch of nuts from the lunatic fringe! With backing from 100 people, we are politely heard, with backing of 1000 or more, the authorities do not have the luxury of ignoring us!
• By joining WCBA, we can keep you up to date with what is happening in the industry and related Government departments and our negotiations with the various outside contacts regarding issues such as eucalyptus eradication, registration, honey standards and the like. Unfortunately, due to the history of beekeeping in this country, many have been reticent to make themselves known as beekeepers. It will be to your advantage not to be isolated should you run into problems in any way. Your membership will be kept confidential as far as possible.
• There are huge advantages in joining or starting support groups in your own area. Taking full responsibility of your beekeeping can be very stressful, so meeting people who are going through the same trials is very helpful. We can put you in touch with beekeepers in your own area or you can start your own support group under the association if you can.

We need your ongoing involvement and support – to enable us to serve YOU. We have all taken a conscious decision in favour of beekeeping. Lets take a conscious step to build beekeeping in the Western Cape and South Africa. If we promote beekeeping there are probably many others who would join us if they knew the benefits – and in the long run we all benefit from the strength of the beekeeping community.

We need to stand united as a body of people to show that we are organised and cannot be ignored. Very importantly, the Association does not exist to satisfy itself! It must serve its members – and it is up to the members to be sure that it does! Note that there are no paid employees or office bearers. Your contributions of time and membership fees benefit all beekeepers directly. Office bearers are elected at the AGM annually.

If you would like to join WCBA, contact us by phone or fax at (021) 971-1022 or by email wcba @ telkomsa.net.

ContactDetails:
Cape Town & Western Cape
Tel: (021) 971 1022