Ubuntu Olive Oil: How Loyiso Manga Built a Trusted Brand
Ubuntu Olive Oil: How Loyiso Manga Built a Trusted Brand. In 2019, from a modest garage in Cape Town, Loyiso Manga embarked on a journey that would challenge industry norms and redefine entrepreneurship in South Africa’s olive oil sector. With no land, limited capital, and a vision rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu, “I am because we are”, he founded Ubuntu Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a brand that has since garnered international acclaim and inspired many aspiring entrepreneurs.
From Call Centers to Cultivating a Dream
Manga’s path was anything but conventional. After earning an Honours degree in Business Administration Management in 2010, he faced unemployment and took up roles as a financial adviser and call center agent in Cape Town. However, his passion for agriculture, influenced by his upbringing in Grahamstown and Uitenhage, remained undeterred. A visit to an olive grove sparked an idea: to bring the health benefits of olive oil to South Africans, especially communities unfamiliar with its advantages.
Building a Brand Without Owning Land
One of Manga’s significant challenges was the lack of land ownership. Despite searching for over two years for an olive farm to partner with, he couldn’t secure funding to purchase one. Undeterred, he collaborated with South African producers who shared his commitment to quality. By blending different cultivars, he created a distinctive product that resonated with consumers.
Navigating Challenges and Embracing Innovation
The journey wasn’t without obstacles. In 2023, a poor harvest, the worst in 25 years, led to a significant shortage of olive oil. This supply chain disruption resulted in a nearly year-long business halt and financial setbacks. Despite these challenges, Manga remained committed to his vision, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Manga aims to establish South Africa’s first black-owned commercial olive oil farm. His plans include setting up an agro-processing facility in Cape Town and expanding into the SADC region, with a distribution warehouse in Botswana. These initiatives not only aim to increase production but also to create employment opportunities and promote agritourism.
Manga’s journey with Ubuntu Extra Virgin Olive Oil exemplifies how vision, determination, and strategic thinking can transform challenges into opportunities. His story serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs aiming to make a meaningful impact in their industries and communities.
