Unlocking the Hive: Exploring the Wonders of Apiculture.

By Bongani Mvubu

Mandla Langwenya's journey into Apiculture is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and dedication. His story, which began in 2005 while at COSPE in Eswatini, working in an income-generating Programme funded by the European Union, is a source of inspiration and achievement. From a simple fascination with bees to the establishment of a thriving Apiculture enterprise, Mandla's narrative is a beacon of hope for aspiring beekeepers.

 His interest in beekeeping started as a straightforward curiosity about the complex inner workings of a beehive. He got inspiration while working on a project at COSPE that focused on teaching farmers about Apiculture. A component of the project focused on providing beekeeping material to farmers, hence stimulating a business opportunity for Mandla to supply beekeeping material since Eswatini does not manufacture such material but sources it in South Africa at Honey Batcher.

 He began a journey of self-education, reading many books, attending workshops, and asking seasoned beekeepers for advice because he was fascinated by bees' social structure and how important they were to pollination. His insatiable curiosity and drive to learn laid the basis for his future success in the beekeeping sector.

Mandla's journey in the beekeeping sector was not just about business growth but also about a deep-rooted commitment to sustainable methods and environmental responsibility. As he managed his apiculture business and established a Honey Council, he was instrumental in formalizing the Bee industry in Eswatini, putting a coordinating structure in place. His dedication to the cause was further evident when he left COSPE and worked at Techno serve under income-generating activities, which was a project funded by FAO and another project funded by the European Union, both pushing the apiculture agenda.

Having identified a gap in the industry, Mandla ventured into the supply of bee-keeping materials in Eswatini. His business expanded in 2015 after receiving a big order to supply large quantities of Beekeeping material to African Works and Bulembu, which boosted his revenue handsomely. He then traded his business as Madze Investment and got stronger in 2017 through a supply of Beekeeping material. Mandla quit his job in September 2017 and focused on growing his business by employing organic beekeeping techniques instead of toxic chemicals. He also engaged in teaching farmers about Apiculture, especially the Youth, to motivate them to venture into Apiculture and be innovative in it.

His decision to transform his hobby into a business was a turning point in his Apiculture adventure. He became a respected young entrepreneur by providing Beekeeping material to local markets with his high-quality honey products and offering technical information for starters.  He did this by having a good eye for market trends and a dedication to quality to meet international standards for his products. His meticulous attention to detail in everything from managing hives to extracting honey has brought him a devoted following and a stellar reputation in the beekeeping community.

In addition to his commercial achievements, Mandla is a shining example of civic involvement and education. He undertakes outreach programmes and seminars to teach people about the value of bees and sustainable beekeeping techniques, having seen how important it is to bring attention to the predicament of bees and the relevance of beekeeping in agriculture. Many people have been motivated to take up beekeeping as a hobby or a career by his efforts, which have aided in bee conservation and environmental protection. Madze Investment's future prospects are in the supply of Beekeeping material and the value addition of Honey.

In summary, Mandla Langwenya's path to successful beekeeping proves the strength of zeal, diligence, and dedication to sustainability. His commitment to education, his environmentally friendly actions, and his involvement in the community have helped his business succeed and improved the lives of others in the neighborhood and the environment. Mandla's tale illustrates how a single person's passion for bees can develop into a thriving business that helps both the environment and humans.

The author is a Research Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and CCARDESA ICKM focal point person for the Kingdon of Eswatini.