Mokgadi Mabela and Native Nosi: South Africa’s Female-Led Honey Revolution

Mokgadi Mabela is the founder of Native Nosi (NN), a 100 percent female-owned beekeeping company that specialises in the production of pure, raw South African honey. While beekeeping runs in her family, Mokgadi initially had no plans to enter the industry. She grew up with honey in the house, learning from her father, a third-generation beekeeper who inherited the skill from Mokgadi’s grandfather, a crop and livestock farmer. Despite this background, Mokgadi pursued an International Relations degree at the University of Pretoria and began a career in corporate.

Her journey into honey production began unexpectedly in the workplace. She noticed that colleagues were using bland, low-quality honey during tea breaks. When she brought her father’s raw honey for them to try, the response was immediate and enthusiastic. Orders began piling in, quickly surpassing the family’s supply. To meet demand, Mokgadi and her father started sourcing honey from rural farmers in Limpopo who previously had no access to formal markets.

As demand continued to grow, Mokgadi’s father encouraged her to start producing her own honey. One beehive became two, then three, and today Native Nosi manages just under 400 beehives. The company combines its own production with honey sourced from rural farmers, integrating small-scale producers into a formal value chain. This model supports rural livelihoods while providing consumers with high-quality, pure honey.

Native Nosi has grown into an award-winning brand, recognised for its delicious honey, honey-based products, and pollination services for crop farmers in northern South Africa. Mokgadi has successfully turned a family legacy into a thriving enterprise that champions women in agriculture. Beyond production, the company also prioritises sustainability, quality, and community development, ensuring that both urban and rural stakeholders benefit from the honey industry.

Today, Mokgadi Mabela and Native Nosi stand as a testament to innovation, female entrepreneurship, and the value of preserving traditional skills. From one beehive to hundreds, the company continues to grow while maintaining a focus on raw, South African honey that reflects both heritage and excellence. Native Nosi demonstrates how passion, family knowledge, and a commitment to quality can create a successful and socially impactful business in the modern agricultural landscape.