Hulisani Mabuduga, founder of the Dovheni village-based agro-processing company Ecovado, has landed a national retail deal after being named one of the winners of the Food Lover's Market Seeds of Change 2026 competition. The winners gathered in Cape Town from 8 to 12 July, where the announcement was made.
The win secures shelf space for Ecovado's products in Food Lover's Market stores across the country – a major breakthrough for a company built on adding value to locally grown avocados.
Mabuduga said the factory, based near Thohoyandou, was established to create jobs and provide small-scale farmers with a reliable market for their avocados. It processes the fruit into cold-pressed extra virgin avocado oil, avocado seed powder and a range of avocado-based cosmetic and personal care products.
Through sustainable manufacturing, she said, Ecovado aims to reduce food waste, drive rural economic development and supply both local and international markets with premium avocado products.
Mabuduga said the recognition marked a turning point for the business, opening the door to a national retail presence for products made in Limpopo.
“This achievement highlights our commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainable agro-processing while creating new market opportunities for products manufactured in Limpopo,” she said.
She had a message for young people, particularly those from rural communities.
“Never let where you come from determine how far you can go. Your background is not a limitation. Dream boldly, start with what you have, keep learning, and never give up because success rarely happens overnight. Every challenge is preparing you for the next opportunity,” she said.
She encouraged young people to become creators, innovators and entrepreneurs who solve problems in their communities.
“Don't wait for opportunities - create them. The future of South Africa will be built by young people who are willing to work hard, think differently, and uplift others as they rise,” she said.