Startup Story
Drienie Botes is an experienced entrepreneur and community upliftment advocate in South Africa, with over 25 years of leadership in business development and social impact. She has founded multiple successful ventures, including a pearl import business and Meant to Bee (PTY) Ltd, a business focused on empowering rural women through sustainable beekeeping and market access. Skilled in strategic planning, international trade, and capacity building, Drienie is passionate about driving economic independence and transforming communities through innovative, purpose-driven enterprises. She launched Meant to Bee in 2021 and today it has created economic opportunities for 36 people.
LoA spoke to the impact-focused Drienie Botes to learn more about her unique business and her mission to create shared prosperity and a sustainable future for others in the community.
What does your company do?
Meant to Bee transforms lives in rural South Africa by empowering women with the skills, tools, and support to become successful beekeepers and entrepreneurs. We don’t just provide hives — we ignite hope, foster independence, and build thriving communities. By unlocking access to international markets, Meant to Bee ensures that every jar of honey carries a story of resilience, sustainability, and shared prosperity. Together, we’re creating a sweeter future, one hive at a time.
“Meant to Bee ensures that every jar of honey carries a story of resilience, sustainability, and shared prosperity. Together, we’re creating a sweeter future, one hive at a time.”
What inspired you to start your company?
What inspired me to start Meant to Bee was a deep belief in the power of community and the untapped potential of rural women in South Africa. I saw how beekeeping could be more than just a livelihood — it could be a pathway to independence, dignity, and hope. I wanted to create a platform that not only supports sustainable honey production but also nurtures entrepreneurship, uplifts families, and connects these women’s hard work to global markets. Meant to Bee is driven by the vision of transforming lives through nature’s sweetest gift and turning small hives into big opportunities.
What makes your business, service or product special?
Meant to Bee stands out because we combine sustainable beekeeping with social impact, focusing on empowering rural women through hands-on training, entrepreneurship development, and direct market access. Unlike many businesses, we don’t just sell honey — we build livelihoods and transform communities. Our commitment to quality, ethical sourcing, and international standards ensures that our honey is not only pure and authentic but also carries a powerful story of empowerment and resilience. This unique blend of purpose, product excellence, and community upliftment makes Meant to Bee truly exceptional.
“Meant to Bee is driven by the vision of transforming lives through nature’s sweetest gift and turning small hives into big opportunities.”
Tell us a little about your team
Our team is the heart of Meant to Bee, driven by dedication and passion. Sopia brings invaluable experience and a strong commitment to community upliftment. Ketsi’s energy and organizational skills keep our projects running smoothly and efficiently. Manana, our experienced CEO, brings deep knowledge and leadership that guide our vision and ensure we achieve meaningful impact. Together, they make Meant to Bee a true family, united in empowering women and creating lasting change.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
With just R800 in my hand, I took my first step into entrepreneurship back in 1995 by starting a company importing pearls and selling them to large companies. This was a time of learning, growth, and determination. When my child was born, I made the conscious choice to be present and fully involved in his life, balancing family and business after ten years of marriage. Over the years, I have dedicated myself to community upliftment, supporting talented women and craftsmanship with passion. But the bees are different — they represent not only a business opportunity but a true calling. Through beekeeping, I saw a unique chance to empower women in rural areas sustainably, connecting nature’s gift to economic independence and lasting community transformation. This journey continues to inspire me every day.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
Our vision for Meant to Bee is bold and community-driven. We plan to launch our own honey harvesting trucks to directly support rural beekeepers and ensure quality from hive to market. By the end of 2025, we aim to have a fully operational bottling plant that will boost local employment and allow us to control every step of the production process. We’re committed to expanding our international footprint, bringing authentic South African honey to the world while educating consumers about the true value and benefits of pure, natural honey. Through these steps, Meant to Bee will continue to grow as a catalyst for economic empowerment, sustainability, and global connection.
“Meant to Bee will continue to grow as a catalyst for economic empowerment, sustainability, and global connection.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
What gives me the greatest satisfaction as an entrepreneur is witnessing the hunger and passion of the beekeepers I work with — their eagerness to collaborate, learn, and seize every opportunity to grow. It’s incredibly inspiring to see how this shared drive transforms lives, builds confidence, and creates a ripple effect of empowerment within communities. Being able to support and guide this journey, while continuously learning and pushing forward myself, fuels my purpose and reminds me why I started Meant to Bee in the first place.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
To all women starting their own journey: never give up. Tenacity is your greatest ally—if one door closes, knock on another.
Keep your passion close to your heart and stay focused on your vision. Don’t speak about your success before you see the results; let your work and achievements do the talking.
Believe deeply in yourself and your dreams. And above all, have faith in God to guide you through every challenge and opportunity. Your perseverance and faith will light the path to your success.
Find out more
Email: info@meanttobee.co.za
Website: http://meanttobee.co.za
Why LoA loves it…
At Lionesses of Africa, we love to showcase inspirational women entrepreneurs who are true change-makers on the continent, women who positively impact the lives of others, and who use business as a platform to create opportunities for people to thrive. Drienie Botes, founder of Meant to Bee, is one such change-maker. Her vision of transforming lives in rural South Africa by empowering women with the skills, tools, and support to become successful beekeepers and entrepreneurs, is making a real difference. Drienie doesn’t just provide hives, she gives hope, provides a platform to achieve independence, and the support to build thriving communities. This is an inspirational story of how one entrepreneur with a big vision can positively impact lives, one beautiful jar of honey at a time. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa