Loyiso Manga Builds Ubuntu Extra Virgin Olive Oil into Award-Winning Brand

Loyiso Manga, founder of Ubuntu Extra Virgin Olive Oil, has turned a childhood passion for agriculture into a thriving business. Born in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, Manga was inspired by his grandmother, who instilled a strong work ethic and love for farming. He holds an Honours degree in Business Administration Management from Helderberg College, Somerset West, and initially worked as a financial adviser and call centre agent. Despite his early career in finance, Manga’s interest in olive oil and its health benefits drove him to explore the industry, eventually partnering with a farm in Swartland, Western Cape, to launch Ubuntu Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Ubuntu gained recognition in 2019, two years after its founding, earning awards at the SA Olive Awards and the World Olive Oil Competition. Manga now plans to expand by operating his own olive farm, where he will plant and press olives directly. The farm will offer visitors an immersive olive experience, including picking, pressing, and seeing the production process firsthand. Manga views this expansion as a way to own the full value chain, increase production, and create a practical learning centre for agriculture students in the Western Cape.

Manga’s journey into agriculture was shaped by early exposure to farming and a determination to find a niche. After a failed business venture and years working in Cape Town, he dedicated himself to building Ubuntu while sourcing high-quality olive oil from farms in Swartland and later Swellendam. Finding a farm that could consistently provide top-quality oil was challenging, and securing financing required persistence. Manga applied to the Land Bank to purchase a farm, with hopes of finalising the acquisition by April, aiming to have the farm operational by the end of the year.

The planned farm will serve multiple purposes, including increasing olive production, cultivating cash crops, hosting olive tastings, and offering weekend getaway experiences. Manga emphasizes the importance of perseverance, stating, “If everyone tells you no, keep fighting. It’s your dream, not other people’s.” He also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by black, female, and previously disadvantaged farmers in accessing land, pointing to national initiatives such as the R3.2-billion blended finance scheme launched by Minister Thoko Didiza to support emerging farmers.

Ubuntu Extra Virgin Olive Oil is now available at major retailers including Woolworths, Checkers, Spar, and Takealot.com. Despite the complexities of market access for processed products, Manga has continued to grow his brand while earning international recognition, including Gold and Silver awards at the New York World Olive Oil competition. He remains focused on expanding his farm, owning the full production process, and inspiring others to follow their agricultural dreams. Manga sees his journey as a blueprint for success, driven by passion, resilience, and commitment to building a sustainable future in South Africa’s olive oil industry.