By Maile Matsimela
In celebration of World Bee Day at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in Roodeplaat on 20 May, stakeholders from across South Africa’s beekeeping industry gathered to address challenges and explore opportunities.
African Farming Digital Editor Maile Matsimela caught up with Sipamandla Manqele, Commercial Director of Local Village Africa, to get a glimpse of their innovative approach to honey production and community development.
Local Village Africa participates actively in South Africa’s food industry, focusing on indigenous African whole foods and raw honey. During the interview, Manqele explained their comprehensive approach to the beekeeping sector. “We are fully committed to the beekeeping industry. Our model involves training communities in beekeeping, supplying them with the necessary tools, purchasing the honey back from them, and then distributing it to retail stores.”
Their brand specialises in raw honey products while creating sustainable income opportunities for rural communities. The company’s involvement extends beyond just production and sales, as Manqele emphasised: “We’re also part of the conversation around climate change and policy changes that affect beekeepers.”
Climate challenges and agricultural practices have significant impacts on bee populations worldwide, a concern that Local Village Africa takes seriously. “By networking with industry stakeholders, we can collectively address issues like the impact of pesticides and other climate-related challenges,” Manqele noted during the interview. This collaborative approach demonstrates their commitment to long-term sustainability in the industry.
The World Bee Day event provided an ideal platform for these discussions, bringing together various players in the beekeeping value chain. For Local Village Africa, being present at such events is crucial to their mission. As Manqele explained, they aim to be “part of the initiatives that shape policy and interventions” that affect beekeepers across South Africa.
What distinguishes their business model is the integration of community development with commercial objectives. “Our focus is on creating sustainable livelihoods while promoting indigenous African foods,” said Manqele.
The challenges facing South African beekeepers are numerous, from climate variability to market access issues. However, Manqele remains optimistic about the industry’s future. “We’re committed to growing this industry while ensuring its sustainability,” she affirmed. “The challenges are significant, but so are the opportunities.”
For agricultural communities interested in diversifying into beekeeping, Local Village Africa’s model offers an example of how traditional practices can find modern relevance in South Africa’s evolving food landscape. Through their continued engagement with events like World Bee Day, they hope to strengthen the networks needed to support beekeepers nationwide.
