You know the guy behind South Africa’s first black-owned olive oil brand? And the couple who built Jacobs Jam from scratch? Oh, and the boss babe making butternut coffee a global thing? Yep, they’re all hitting the stage at the 2025 Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba.
Food For Mzansi is bringing the heat! Loyiso Manga, the trailblazer behind Ubuntu Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Nigel Jacobs, the co-founder of Jacobs Jam, and Chantelle de Bruyn from Buttercup Farmhouse, are joining a power-packed agroprocessing panel at the indaba.
Nearly 600 people per day are expected to attend the event on Tuesday, 1 and Wednesday, 2 April at Lavender Kontrei Market in Pretoria North. If you haven’t secured your spot yet, now is the time – early-bird tickets are available at a discounted rate for just a few more days.
The much-anticipated event promises invaluable networking and funding opportunities, inspiring success stories, and a glimpse into the future of agriculture in Mzansi.
Black-owned olive oil producer proves it’s possible
Sharing his excitement for the indaba, Manga says, “I’m looking forward to meeting farmers and my peers in business who are thriving in their respective sectors. I’m also excited about new innovations and advancements in the agricultural space. Lastly, I can’t wait to network and meet people who are just as keen to see me.”
He broke new ground as the country’s first black-owned olive oil farming business owner, earning multiple awards and securing shelf space at Woolworths.
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Reflecting on his journey, Manga shares that one of his most surprising lessons has been the unexpected support he has received.
“Support has come from people I least expected – especially the Afrikaans community, who have backed me tremendously, even financially.
“I’ve received calls from people across the country who can barely speak a word of English, telling me they support me and even want to help financially as a family! Lesson learned: Ubuntu cuts across all languages and nations,” he shares.
Butternut coffee brand owner takes Mzansi by storm
Meanwhile, De Bruyn’s butternut coffee is also available at Woolworths and Food Lovers Market.
Her entrepreneurial journey began with a deeply personal inspiration.
“It started with my grandfather’s health struggle. He couldn’t drink caffeine, so I created a veggie-based alternative. Butternut is versatile, healthy, and unexpected. And since we are a family that loves coffee, why not coffee?”
As a returning indaba attendee, De Bruyn says she can’t get enough of the event’s dynamic atmosphere.
“The vibe! Food For Mzansi’s indaba is where passion, innovation, and agriculture collide. It’s impossible to stay away from such an inspiring space, a platform where you can be heard and take action,” she shares.
From homemade to retail success
Indaba attendees can also look forward to insights from Jacobs who has scaled their family-run agroprocessing business with his wife, Christynn.
Based in the Western Cape’s fruit-rich Ceres Valley, Jacobs Jam has grown rapidly after securing a deal with the Shoprite Group. Founded in 2018 by Nigel and his wife, Christynn, a food technologist, the business now reaches nearly 400 independent outlets across South Africa and exports to Zambia. Their preservative-free jams, including a unique pomegranate variant, have set them apart in the industry.
With plans to expand into fruit juices, chutneys, and other fruit-based products, Jacobs will share valuable lessons on launching at scale, securing retail partnerships, and overcoming challenges in the competitive food sector – all while creating jobs and uplifting their community.
The event will also showcase over 50 exhibitors, including industry leaders like Starke Ayres, Pulse Afrika, Terraclim, Agricultsure, the Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC), Agrimall, and Asante Saanen, highlighting a diverse range of products and services in the agricultural sector.
How to get your indaba tickets
Early-bird tickets for the 2025 Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba are selling like amagwinya, and this special discount won’t last forever! Secure your spot now before prices go up.
Need accommodation? Sure, you could book a nearby hotel or guest house, but why not make it unforgettable?
Nature Nation Camp lets you stay on-site at the indaba, where you’ll enjoy crackling fires, farm talk under the stars, and a true agritourism adventure! Only 50 camping spots are available. Grab yours now!
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