At the Mandela
Honey Co
we believe our passion for provenance and respect for legacy makes our offering something special. As the first of its kind with the endorsement of the Mandela Family, our hope is to bring our country’s vibrant spirit to the world, one hive at a time.
on a mission to empower women
Mandela Honey is a socially conscious beekeeping and honey enterprise on a mission to empower women from low-income communities with skills development and the creation of sustainable livelihoods. Like the bees – and like our country’s beloved leader – we harvest our honey with exceptional care and commitment to our craft.
From cool coastal sites to verdant countryside, our honey is sourced from hives across South Africa’s diverse and bountiful floral kingdom. So, wherever you take this scrumptious honey, however you enjoy it, you’ll be sharing a taste of the warmth and community that make South Africa like no other place on the planet.
Womens Project
“The time is always ripe to do right,” said Nelson Mandela, and it’s in this generous spirit that we hope to improve the lives of individuals and communities across South Africa through the extraordinary art of beekeeping.
Each woman in the program receives:
A full beekeeping starter kit
Mentorship
Training beyond the bees
As the women begin to harvest their honey, they’re already stepping into their roles as producers and entrepreneurs—selling through their Mandela Mentors. From hive to harvest to market, we’re there every step of the way.
This is beekeeping with heart—and a pure intended plan.
Our Buzz-Worthy Belief
We believe in the power of women in creating lasting change in community. And we believe in the power of bees in sustaining our very existence.
By focusing on both the conservation of local bee species and the empowerment of women, we’re creating something deeply sustainable. In rural places like Kurland and Covie Village—where jobs are few and far between—beekeeping offers a regenerative, scalable solution. With the right tools, training, and support, these women are building real businesses that nourish their families, strengthen their communities, and protect the planet.
With every hive, hope grows. And with every harvest, change takes root.
Transforming lives through beekeeping since
women trained in professional beekeeping
active hives supporting the local economy
Sustainable
income generation for rural families
Conservation
of indigenous Western Cape bee populations
Mandela Bee products
Wherever you take our Mandela Bee products, however you enjoy them, you’ll be sharing the warmth and community that make South Africa like no other place on the planet.
Wild Blossom Honey
Blue Gum Honey
Aromatic Fynbos Honey
Have questions?
Get in touch!
Our Partners
