Makana Meadery has its beginnings in a Rhodes University based research project to develop state of the art fermentation technology for producing iQhilika, an African mead. The meadery is housed in a historical Grahamstown landmark on the outskirts of this picturesque educational town in the Eastern Cape.

Honey is a vital ingredient in the making of iQhilika and to match this demand the company has developed an extensive beekeeping programme. With the acquisition of a sawmill and the development of beekeeping training programmes, the company has also expanded its products and services to include: beekeeping products, beekeeping training and R & D development.