At just 16 years old, Juhan Human began his beekeeping journey as a hobby for a bit of extra pocket money. A basic bee course at the Western Cape Bee Association provided him with the fundamentals, but his true education came from years of hands-on experience. Since 1997, Juhan has nurtured his passion, transforming it into a thriving beekeeping business that now manages around 300 hives in the rural Overberg region, just outside Riviersonderend.

For Juhan, beekeeping is driven by a genuine love for nature and a deep sense of environmental stewardship. The fascination he felt as a teenager has only grown over the years, fueled by a desire to support the environment and share the simple joy of honey with his community. This passion is what keeps him going day after day, as he and his team, which includes one full-time employee and two seasonal helpers, work to produce honey that embodies the natural beauty of their surroundings.

The Overberg region provides an ideal environment for Juhan's bees. With abundant Eucalyptus trees and seasonal canola fields, his bees have access to rich, diverse nectar sources. This blend results in a signature honey that captures the essence of the landscape. Primarily, his hives yield Eucalyptus honey, but the occasional canola harvest adds unique seasonal variety. The rural setting not only influences the honey's flavour but also aligns with Juhan's commitment to sustainable practices that preserve and respect the local ecosystem.

While Juhan's honey is a natural treasure, selling it in bulk at fair prices has often been challenging. However, his partnership with Southern Gold Honey has offered a supportive solution. Southern Gold Honey’s commitment to sustainability, conservation and selling unadulterated honey aligns perfectly with Juhan's values, helping him maintain and grow his business while staying true to his principles. This partnership has allowed Juhan to focus on his craft, knowing that Southern Gold Honey shares his dedication to ethically produced, pure honey.

Juhan's journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Through his work with Southern Gold Honey, he is helping to pave the way for a more sustainable honey industry - one that values quality, supports local farmers, and puts the environment first. His story is a reminder that with a shared vision, we can create meaningful change, one jar of honey at a time.