Ihlangene Co operative
| Business Location: | Rural area - Farms |
| Province | Eastern Cape |
| Branch: | Alfred Nzo |
| Business Start Date: | |
| Busniess Type: | Co-operative |
Business Dynamics and Challenges
Business Activities:
Ihlangene Beehives is a small-scale apiculture (beekeeping) enterprise operating within the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, specifically from a farm managed by the Department of Agriculture at the Ntabankulu Agritourism Park. The location provides a conducive environment for beekeeping activities, agribusiness development, and eco-friendly agricultural practices, while also positioning the business within a growing agritourism value chain.
The business focuses on beekeeping and honey production, contributing to environmental sustainability, pollination support for agriculture, and local economic development. Ihlange Beehives plays an important role in promoting rural enterprise development and inclusive participation in the agricultural sector.
The enterprise is owned and managed by Ms Sibabalwe Tshaka, who provides strategic and operational leadership. To strengthen technical capacity and market readiness, the business is mentored by Tsepisong Movers, an award-winning honey producer, offering hands-on guidance in production standards, quality control, and business management.
Ihlangene Beehives is also committed to social impact, with a focus on employing women from the local community, thereby contributing to women empowerment, skills transfer, and household income generation. At the time of intervention, the business was still at an early operational stage, with limited resources and minimal market participation.
Challenges/Needs:
The business experienced the following challenges:
• Inability to apply for funding due to non availability of business plan.
• Lack of business acumen from business owners.
Intervention Insights and Results
Intervention Details:
The following interventions were implemented:
Assistance with business plan, and
Business Management training
Assistance with business plan, and
Business Management training
Outcome Details:
The Business was able to commence operations.
The business received funding of one hundred and thirty thousand rand (R 130,000) to support operations and growth.
Annual turnover increased from zero rand (R0) to Eighty four thousand rand (R84,000), representing 100% revenue growth from a zero base.
Employment expanded from one (1) employee to five (5) employees, reflecting a 300% increase in job creation.
The business received funding of one hundred and thirty thousand rand (R 130,000) to support operations and growth.
Annual turnover increased from zero rand (R0) to Eighty four thousand rand (R84,000), representing 100% revenue growth from a zero base.
Employment expanded from one (1) employee to five (5) employees, reflecting a 300% increase in job creation.
Client Feedback
Client Comments:
Siyabulela Ku Sedfa ngenxaso”.
