QACHA’S NEK— From honey and wax to pollen and propolis, bees in Qacha’s Nek are proving to be much more than pollinators — they’re transforming lives, restoring the environment, and building sustainable livelihoods.
With over 100 active beekeepers now in the district, up from just eight a few years ago, beekeeping is gaining momentum as a low-cost, high-impact venture and a sweet solution for income generation and biodiversity.
Among the pioneers is Mr. Malefane Khamali, founder of Khamali and Brothers in Tebellong. He began beekeeping in 2017 after leaving a security job he “hated.” Armed with just one hive, he took a leap and never looked back.
Now managing more than five hives, he produces raw honey, wax, pollen, propolis, and venom crafting both raw and value-added products. “It’s a business, not a hobby,” he said. “I pay school fees, bought livestock, and support others too. Bees changed my life,” he told the Agency.
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