24/11/2025
Ubuntu Olive Oil: A Taste of African Community and Excellence
In a world where authenticity and purpose matter more than ever, Ubuntu Extra Virgin Olive Oil has emerged as a proudly South African symbol of heritage, health, and heart. Founded in 2019 by entrepreneur Loyiso Manga, the brand stands as a tribute to the African philosophy of ubuntu, the idea that “I am because we are.” Through this simple yet powerful belief, Manga has transformed olive oil from an everyday kitchen essential into a movement rooted in community, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
Manga’s journey began with a personal discovery: the profound health benefits of olive oil. Determined to make this wellness staple accessible to more South Africans, he stepped into an industry dominated by international labels and persistent misconceptions. Funding hurdles, sourcing challenges, and the complexities of breaking into a competitive market could have discouraged many, but Manga pushed forward. His resilience paid off. In its very first year, Ubuntu Olive Oil earned a Gold Award at the 2019 SA Olive Awards and later went on to secure a Silver Medal at the New York International Olive Oil Competition, earning global recognition for homegrown excellence.
From Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape to shelves across the country, Manga’s story reflects the spirit of possibility. Ubuntu Olive Oil began with a small team, sourcing quality olives from a farm in Swellendam, and steadily grew into a brand that resonates deeply with South African households. Its packaging proudly echoes African identity, bold, warm, rooted, serving as both a functional product and a celebration of culture. Yet for Manga, this is only the beginning. His long-term vision includes owning a farm, controlling the full value chain, and expanding Ubuntu Olive Oil throughout the African continent.
More than its awards and origin story, Ubuntu Olive Oil stands out for its undeniable health benefits. The extra virgin blend is rich in antioxidants and vitamins E, A, D, and K, supporting heart function, reducing inflammation, and nourishing both skin and hair. It is a wellness companion, a lifestyle enhancer, and a testament to what African entrepreneurship can achieve when passion meets purpose.
Today, Ubuntu Olive Oil is available in 500ml bottles for R180 and is proudly stocked by major retailers such as Woolworths. With plans to expand into Checkers and SADC markets, the brand is on course to become a continental household name, one that reflects not only quality, but community-driven innovation.
Ubuntu Olive Oil is more than a product. It is a story of vision. A celebration of African excellence. A reminder that when we uplift one another, extraordinary things can grow.