By: Mpho Shelile
MASERU
Bee Day Celebration Market is more than just a market, it’s a hive of innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial energy.
In order to celebrate this year’s Bee Day, raise awareness about the importance of protecting bees and supporting local enterprises, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, and Basotho Enterprise Development Corporation (BEDCO) held a market day where SME’s and bee keepers got an opportunity to sell and market their products under theme “inspired by nature to nourish us all”.
The Bee Day Celebration Market is a tribute to the resilience and creativity of local entrepreneurs who continue to shape the economic landscape through passion and hard work.
From handcrafted goods and organic produce, to innovative services and artisanal products, each stall told a story of ambition, perseverance, and community pride.
Speaking on the purpose of the celebration, Matumelo Sehlabaka, a seasoned beekeeper and an employee at Golden Hive, highlighted that Bee Day is not only about recognising the economic contributions of SMEs but also about fostering an inclusive and sustainable environment where small businesses can thrive through exposure, community engagement, and networking.
“Bee Day allows us to showcase the often-overlooked value that small-scale producers bring to the economy,” she said.
“It reminds people that when they support local, they’re not just buying a product, they are investing in a dream, a family, and a more self-sufficient Lesotho.”
One of the central goals of the Bee Day Celebration Market is to stimulate interest in locally made goods and services. The event provides a vibrant platform for beekeepers, craft makers, food processors, and other entrepreneurs to present their offerings directly to the public, thus creating opportunities for partnerships, increased visibility, and knowledge sharing.
Thabiso Mohlomi, a young beekeeper from Mokhotlong, said Bee Day is a chance for rural producers like him to be part of the national economy.
“We come from remote areas where our work is hardly recognised. This platform not only exposes us to a wider audience but also builds our confidence to dream bigger,” he noted.
Another participant, Lineo Ramakatsa, a bee keeper from Thaba-Tseka, emphasised the educational impact of the event.
“Many people do not know the environmental importance of bees or the effort that goes into honey production. Through Bee Day, we engage directly with the community, especially young people, and teach them about sustainability, biodiversity, and agro-entrepreneurship,” she said.
For Rethabile Makara, a female entrepreneur from Quthing, Bee Day represents more than just business as it is also about representation. “As women in agriculture, we often face unique challenges. Events like these help bridge the gap by giving us a seat at the table and proving that women, too, can lead in the beekeeping industry,” she said proudly.
Lastly, Pule Motloung, an innovator in organic beekeeping methods, said Bee Day encourages innovation and mentorship.
“I have been able to meet other beekeepers, exchange ideas on how to combat bee diseases, and even speak to youth interested in joining the sector. The future of beekeeping depends on collaboration, and Bee Day is a catalyst for that,” said Motloung.