Africa-Press – Eswatini. Sebenele Bongmusa Khumalo is 20 years old and already running a growing beekeeping business proof that commitment and curiosity can turn a simple interest into a real source of income.
His journey began with a childhood memory. Back then, his older siblings would head into the forest to hunt for wild honey. Sebenele was not part of the hunt but he was always the first in line when the honey arrived. “I have loved honey since I was young,” he said.
That early love for honey deepened when an elder in the community proposed starting a beekeeping project. A group came together his older brother included and they received training from experienced elders who passed on their traditional knowledge. The group built beehive boxes and launched the project with great hope.
But working as a group proved difficult over time. Managing a business with many voices was challenging, and eventually, everyone decided to go solo. Around the same time, Sebenele’s brother got a job, and the hives needed someone to take over. Khumalo had just finished high school. He stepped in.
Since then, he has taken the business forward on his own terms. He currently keeps seven traditional beehive boxes and two trap boxes, though his dream is to upgrade to modern hives. “Traditional ones work, but modern hives are more efficient. I’m working toward that,” he said.
His path hasn’t been smooth. Theft has been a major issue especially in the beginning. “When I started, thieves stole a lot of my hives during the night. That was painful,” he recalled. Determined not to lose more, Sebenele adjusted his routine. “Now I collect the trap boxes early and do regular checks. That helps a lot.”
Access to equipment has also become more difficult. Beehive boxes that were once available locally now require travel to source another expense. On top of that, Sebenele recently began his university studies, making it harder to stay hands on with the hives. “Being away most of the time affects how much I can do,” he explained. Fortunately, his father is now based at home and has stepped in to help. “He is mostly the one taking care of the bees while I’m at school.”
Even with limited time, the business is still growing. Sebenele has built a loyal customer base. “Right now, I’m out of honey,” he said. “But people keep calling there is more demand than I can supply.”
For other young people interested in beekeeping or farming, Sebenele has a simple message, the opportunity is real. “The market for honey is big.
A childhood craving has grown into a thriving venture. Sebenele Khumalo is not just running a business, he is building something meaningful, driven by passion and sustained through perseverance.
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