From Call Centre to Olive Groves: The Inspiring Journey of Loyiso Manga

Facing challenges in securing funding for a farm, Loyiso Manga overcame obstacles to become one of South Africa's first Black olive oil producers. Partnering to blend his unique product, Manga's olive oil is now sold by Woolworths. He calls for greater government support for emerging farmers in the region.

Loyiso Manga, once bound to his call centre job, now strives to break new ground as one of South Africa's pioneer Black olive oil producers. His journey was riddled with obstacles, particularly in securing funding to buy a farm. However, he eventually partnered with a supplier, allowing him to blend his own signature olive oil.

Today, Manga's brand is gaining traction, with his olive oil being stocked by upscale retailer Woolworths. He emphasizes the need for more government support to scale his business into a lasting legacy.

"There are a lot of us who come from my position who want access to land," Manga revealed to Reuters. Despite the absence of a warehouse or farm, his success highlights market potential. The Western Cape province's Mediterranean climate is perfect for olive farming, though the capital-intensive nature of the industry requires four to five years for trees to yield a harvest. An agriculture ministry spokesperson noted land allocation efforts but provided no specific plans for emerging olive oil farmers.

(With inputs from agencies.)