How Mokgadi Mabela Transformed Her Family’s Informal Beekeeping Business Into One Of The Most Recognized Honey Brands.

Mokgadi Mabela’s transformation of her family’s informal beekeeping business into one of the most recognized honey brands in the country is a testament to innovation, hard work, and vision.

Her company, Native Nosi, now stands as a symbol of entrepreneurial success and a beacon of inspiration for many aspiring business owners.

Mokgadi’s journey began in a seemingly unassuming manner. Initially indifferent to beekeeping, she believed it wouldn’t sustain the lifestyle she envisioned. Thus, after matriculating, she pursued a BA in Political Science and International Studies at the University of Pretoria, subsequently securing a job at the Department of Human Settlements in 2008.

While Mokgadi thrived in her government role, she started selling honey as a side hustle. By 2015, it became evident that her father was struggling to meet the increasing demand from both his and her growing client base. This realization prompted Mokgadi to reconsider the potential of the family business.

“The move helped to formalize the business by giving it a more professional image, allowing me to differentiate myself in the market and streamline business processes by, for example, allowing me to access a business bank account,” she explains.

With the birth of her first child, Khumo, in May 2015, Mokgadi found herself yearning for more flexibility than her bureaucratic job could offer. This personal milestone catalyzed her decision to dive fully into the honey business.

“I could have continued with business as usual, selling unbranded honey as a one-woman show as my father and grandfather used to,” she reflects. But Mokgadi saw a more significant opportunity. In 2016, she registered Native Nosi and has been steering it toward growth and success ever since.

“My father has been a beekeeper all my life. I started selling honey around 2008 and registered Native Nosi in 2016. It has been operational to date. It has been a lot of trial and error as the industry has very few black people in it, making the reference points very limited, so a lot of things we need to figure out as we go,” she notes.

Drawing from her roots in Polokwane and her family heritage from Botlokwa and Metz, Ga-Sekororo, Mokgadi built a brand that celebrates local traditions and modern business practices. Since 2017, Native Nosi has operated an online store, delivering honey directly to customers nationwide. Recently, they opened a physical shop in Menlo Park, Pretoria, welcoming walk-in clients.

Native Nosi offers a variety of products, including raw honey, creamed honey, and infused honey, available both in their store and online. Additionally, the brand features other African indigenous products produced by young black South African women, ranging from indigenous grains, flours, superfoods, medicinal teas, spicy chillies, and skincare products.

Mokgadi’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is rooted in action and learning. “The majority of people are not self-starters. They tell you they want to do something but want to be spoon-fed without lifting a finger to do anything for themselves. If you are serious about starting your own business, take the leap and put effort into learning as much as you can about the field.”

She emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience and education. “Take courses or do research at the library or on the internet. I attended several beekeeping courses to ensure I knew what I was doing, even though my dad was a beekeeper.”

Mokgadi believes that having a working project is more attractive to potential investors and supporters than just an idea. “People, government, and banks are much more willing to get involved or fund working projects than ideas.”

Mokgadi Mabela’s journey from side hustle to leading a prominent honey brand illustrates the power of vision, adaptability, and continuous learning. Her story is an inspiration, showcasing how one can turn a family tradition into a thriving business that bridges the gap between heritage and modern entrepreneurship.