Bee Bylaws in Centurion: What Residents Must Know
What is the new bee bylaw in Centurion?
The City of Tshwane has passed a new bylaw that regulates beekeeping in residential suburbs such as Centurion.
This affects residents, beekeepers, and property developers who keep or remove bees from their properties.
The law applies to all Centurion areas including Lyttelton, Irene, Eldoraigne, Wierda Park, Highveld, and others.
Why was a new bee bylaw introduced?
- Rising housing density means less space between homes and hives.
- Bee stings can cause serious harm, especially to allergic people.
- The African honeybee is native to Gauteng and can be aggressive when disturbed.
- Residents lodged complaints about bees in walls, gardens, and roofs.
- The city wants to reduce exterminations and encourage ethical swarm relocation.
Do Centurion residents need a permit to keep bees?
Yes. Any Centurion homeowner who wants to keep bees must apply for a Tshwane beekeeping permit can contact the Environmental Management Division at 012 379 3123 or 012 377 0568.
Permit application checklist:
- Proof the hive won’t endanger neighbours or animals
- Hive placement that complies with distance rules
- City inspection before or after permit approval
Note: Agricultural and conservation land is exempt (e.g., Doornkloof, Irene farms).
Where can you place a beehive in Centurion?
The bylaw sets out strict location rules for placing beehives.
Hive Placement Requirements:
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Distance | 100 m from any occupied building or enclosure |
| Barrier | 1.5 m wall, fence, or hedge |
| Buffer zone | Barrier must be 5 m from hive |
| Hive design | Must be waterproof and have removable frames |
Failing to follow these rules could result in fines or hive removal.
Can you legally collect or remove wild bee swarms?
Yes. It is now legal for residents or registered beekeepers to collect wild swarms using catch boxes or swarm traps.
- Swarms in walls or roofs can be safely relocated
- Residents no longer need to exterminate nuisance bees
- Legal removal supports biodiversity and urban honey production
How does this affect gardens and biodiversity?
This bylaw supports Centurion’s growing food and garden movement.
- Bees help pollinate fruit trees and vegetables
- Encouraging safe hive relocation boosts pollination
- Supports home gardeners and urban agriculture
- Helps small honey producers expand operations
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
If you break the rules or fail to apply for a permit:
- You may receive a written warning
- The city can remove or destroy the hive
- You may be fined up to R300
- Repeat offences may attract higher costs and removal fees
Who supports the new bee bylaw?
- City of Tshwane: Aims to balance safety with conservation.
- FF Plus Party: Councillor Mari Joubert says the bylaw solves many resident complaints.
- Beekeepers: Local producers support legal swarm capture.
- Farmers’ unions: Say it helps pollination and food security.
What about schools, churches, and parks?
The 100 m distance rule applies to all public buildings, including:
- Schools (e.g., Hoërskool Centurion, Irene Primary)
- Churches and community halls
- Retirement villages and parks
- Veterinary clinics and pet shops
This means placing a hive close to any of these sites is not allowed.
How to stay compliant in Centurion
Here’s a simple 6-step checklist:
- Confirm your zoning – Agricultural plots may be exempt.
- Apply for a permit through Tshwane Parks & Horticultural Services.
- Place the hive legally – Respect all distance and safety barriers.
- Use a swarm box if bees arrive unexpectedly.
- Allow inspections if requested by city officials.
- Avoid fines – don’t destroy hives or skip permit steps.
Where to get more help
Useful resources for residents:
Final thoughts
The updated bee bylaw protects both people and pollinators.
It formalises urban beekeeping rules in Centurion and encourages ethical swarm removal over extermination.
If implemented properly, this bylaw will support:
- Safer neighbourhoods
- Stronger biodiversity
- More food gardens and backyard honey production
If you want to know more about bee removal, visit HoneyBuzz
