The FF Plus has called on the Tshwane Metro to urgently review its municipal by-law on keeping bees in residential areas. The by-law is outdated and should be amended.
The by-law was last reviewed in 2005, and the FF Plus frequently receives complaints from residents about neighbours keeping bees, which poses a possible danger to people and their pets.
Also, beehives may not be randomly destroyed.
The current by-law is based on the former Tshwane boundaries before Regions 5 and 7 (Bronkhorstspruit, Cullinan and Rayton) were added. This by-law also makes no distinctions between agricultural, business and residential areas.
It is not in line with national legislation and also does not promote the conservation of bees. It is, therefore, important to regulate bee farmers in urban areas and to ensure that they have valid permits. Notices should be put up to inform people of beehives in the area as well.
The FF Plus is calling on residents keeping bees on their properties to familiarise themselves with the relevant by-law and to adhere to it strictly. If the by-law is violated, a fine of R300 may be imposed.
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