A New Chapter in South Africa’s Olive Oil Industry
Loyiso Manga has carved out his place as the founder of South Africa’s first Black-owned commercial olive oil brand, Ubuntu. What began as a dream rooted in resilience has grown into a company that symbolizes strength, heritage, and determination.
Ubuntu Olive Oil launched in December 2019, just two months before the world was shut down by the pandemic. Despite the timing and challenges, Manga’s brand has thrived and gained recognition in both South Africa and abroad. In 2024, Ubuntu won Silver at the prestigious NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, showcasing its quality on a global stage.
“Ubuntu is about grit and persistence,” Manga explains. “It was born from determination, and that’s why people connect with it.”
From Farm Roots to Entrepreneurial Spirit
Manga’s story starts with his childhood on a farm, guided by his grandmothers, who instilled discipline and productivity. Their influence taught him to value hard work and community responsibility.
After graduation, he tried different ventures, from running small businesses to working in a call center. Yet, he felt unfulfilled. He knew his true calling was business tied to agriculture. Inspired by the rise of Black entrepreneurs in the wine industry, he began searching for farmland.
This search took him across South Africa’s Western Cape, where he often traveled hundreds of kilometers in pursuit of opportunities. That persistence eventually connected him to olive groves and sparked his journey into olive oil.
Challenges of Building Ubuntu Olive Oil
Starting Ubuntu was far from easy. Manga faced racial discrimination when trying to secure farmland. Some farm owners refused to even acknowledge him during visits. Instead of deterring him, these experiences fueled his resolve.
Adding to these hurdles, the COVID-19 pandemic struck just after Ubuntu’s launch. To adapt, Manga embraced a consignment model, outsourcing production while focusing on bottling, branding, and distribution. Over time, he became more involved in the pressing process and quality control, shaping Ubuntu’s distinct flavor profile.
Yet, his vision remains clear: to one day own farmland and secure the full value chain. “We can’t rely on other producers,” he says. “It’s important that we control production.”
Ubuntu Olive Oil’s Unique Flavor and Recognition
Ubuntu Olive Oil stands out for its fresh, vibrant taste, with notes of green olives, tomatoes, nuts, and a mild pepperiness. This distinctive quality has earned it awards and a place on shelves at top South African retailers.
The brand has expanded its offerings beyond extra virgin olive oil. Plans are underway for flavored oils and balsamic vinegar, broadening Ubuntu’s reach and appeal. Each bottle proudly reflects African heritage and represents more than just a product — it tells a story of perseverance.
Manga often jokes, “If you’re cooking with Ubuntu Olive Oil, raise your glass. If not, raise your standards.” But behind the humor lies a serious mission to create a legacy rooted in culture and excellence.
Building a Legacy of African Empowerment
For Manga, Ubuntu is not just a business. It is a movement built on the African philosophy of “I am because we are.” Every challenge, from racism to global shortages, has strengthened the brand’s identity.
Ubuntu continues to inspire a new generation of Black entrepreneurs in South Africa. By proving that olive oil — a product long dominated by white-owned farms — can carry the spirit of African resilience, Manga has opened doors for others to follow.
With Ubuntu’s growth and plans to secure farmland, Manga remains focused on building a brand that empowers communities and strengthens South Africa’s agricultural future. His journey from hardship to recognition embodies the transformation of struggle into legacy.
