The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform says there are no plans to import any bees into the country from South Africa.

Responding to concerns raised by the Beekeeping Association of Namibia, the ministry's Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information Services, Romeo Muyunda, explained that in 2024, the ministry received an application to import bees and that it was considered in accordance with the Animal Health Act. 

"We certify that the importation of animals from other parts of the world is free of any diseases. So we had to undertake that activity with South Africa, but unfortunately, South Africa does not allow for disease searches to be conducted. As a result, we were unable to certify that the bees intended for importation at that time were free of any diseases. And therefore we had to decline that application."

He further clarified that the application in question was submitted by a private individual and was not officially sanctioned by the Ministry. Subsequently, the applicant sought an alternative option to import bees from Israel. 

Israel met our animal import requirements, specifically for bees, after a disease search showed the imported bees were healthy. In addition to that, we imported a species known as 'bumblebees,' which are recognised for being less aggressive; however, it is important to note that these bees will eventually die off after completing their pollination. Therefore, there is no risk in terms of spreading diseases or in terms of breeding further." 

In terms of the Kunene Region beekeeping project, Muyunda said the ministry is not responsible for the project, but it will work hand in hand with those in charge to ensure the safety of local bees.