It is at Lichtenberg, a place of wide earth and air vibrating with humming nature, that Kenalemang found one passion: as sweet as challenging beekeeping. Her tale of venturing into the small, yet complex, world of bees has given lessons from resiliency to community and starting small while daring to dream big.
From Crops to Hives: The Unexpected Journey
Kenalemang's farming story began 9 years ago on a 9-hectare-farm. With a focus on optimizing her farm production by starting mix farming which offers many advantages, both on economic and environmental levels. She produces Maize, has livestock such as pigs, and horticulture. But it wasn't long before the mystique of bees caught her attention. "I never imagined myself as a beekeeper," shares Kenalemang with a laugh. It started as a curiosity to try it as it was Introduced to me by my friend Karabo and quickly became a passion.
Overcoming Challenges & mistakes.
Success doesn't come easy. Kenalemang’s passion for beekeeping was faced with challenges of vandalism, theft and unpredictable weather conditions which shaped her character and showed resiliency, “ I was happy I had to experience it and it taught me perseverance.” she says. But all these challenges seemed only to fan Kenalemang to resolve and make it big: "I had to get creative," she said. "When the rain didn't come, I found ways to provide water for the bees. When hives were vandalized, I worked with the community to raise awareness and protect them.".
“ I rushed into my growth without slowly learning basics”
“Don't start big, start small” she says. One of her valuable lessons is to start small learn the technics, make mistakes, and improve before you grow. “The way to make it big is to start small.” - Kenalemang
The Innovative beekeeper
During winter, beekeepers often resort to alternative feeding methods to ensure their bees remain nourished when natural food sources are scarce. The most common method involves using a syrup feed. However, Kenalemang decided to explore a more natural and organic approach. Instead of the traditional syrup, they introduced banana peels as an alternative feed. Remarkably, this method has yielded positive results, providing the bees with the nutrients they need to thrive during the colder months.
The Sweet Taste of Success
For Kenalemang, success is not in the number of jars of honey someone fills, but it's the recompense when overcoming challenges and seeing a dream take off. "Each time I taste the honey from my hives, I get reminded of the journey that it took to get here. It isn't sweet alone; it has a taste of all hard work, innovations, and support put into it.
The Hive Mind: Chairperson of the NWBPA
Kenalemang Moeketsi serves as the chairperson of the North-West Beekeeping Association, an organization dedicated to collaborating resources and cultivating a thriving community of beekeepers and she emphasizes the significance of membership, not only provides essential support but also offers a valuable platform for beekeepers to showcase their businesses. The association has partnered with the Madibeng beekeepers hub, which offers entry-level courses like "The ABC of Beekeeping."
Additionally, they have launched a project called “One box, One Beekeeper” which is project aimed to inspire young people and women to take up beekeeping. One of the goals of the association is biodiversity conservation, through cooperation with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment for the rehabilitation and restoration of the indigenous ecosystem.
Leaving a legacy
Kenalemang actively champions the involvement of youth and women in the beekeeping industry, recognizing their critical role in its growth and sustainability. Central to her vision are beekeeping hubs, which will serve as the backbone of the industry. These hubs provide essential resources, training, and support, empowering young people and women to succeed in beekeeping. Advancing economic opportunities and ensuring the long-term vitality of the beekeeping sector.
Kenalemang's story informs of perseverance and community. It should be an inspiring reminder that through farming, beekeeping, or even any other passion, one finds success from a small initiation, hard work, and staying connected to those surrounding them.
A Final Buzz: Words to the Wise for Budding Beekeepers To those looking to dip into the world of beekeeping, or any new start-up for that matter, she has this to say: "Don't be afraid to start. Be patient, be creative, and lean on your community. The road won't always be easy, but it will be worth it. Kenalemang's journey from crop farming to keeping hives is not just a farming story, but it is one of growth, things not going right, and sweet rewards awaiting one down the road when following a passion. Whether you are a seasoned farmer or a dreamer of new things, take from Kenalemang’s journey: start small, work hard, and let your passion guide you.
Kommentare