The Beer Association of South Africa (BASA), in partnership with the Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB), hosted a successful Skills Development and Training Initiative aimed at empowering black entrepreneurs, particularly women in the province’s brewing sector.
This follows a request from the Eastern Cape Liquor Board to BASA to help address the lack of diversity in the province’s brewing industry. Out of 22 registered brewers, only one was black. The initiative was therefore designed to upskill and support black-owned brewing enterprises, while encouraging greater participation of women across the beer value chain.
To deliver the programme, BASA partnered with Brewsters Academy, an accredited brewing and training institution, to conduct the skills sessions. In addition, the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) were invited to present on financial and non-financial support services available to SMMEs. The programme also featured Mr. Chris Heacon, experienced brewer and owner of Emeraldvale Brewery, who shared valuable insights on running a sustainable brewing business.
In his remarks, Mr. Tyali from the Eastern Cape Liquor Board highlighted the importance of compliance and legal operation for small businesses. He encouraged participants to register their businesses, engage regularly with the Board, and consider forming cooperatives to strengthen their collective voice and access to opportunities.
Speaking on behalf of the Department, Mr. Ngatiane from DEDEAT said:
“We are pleased to collaborate efforts with BASA for the economic empowerment of our people. It is our wish as DEDEAT to see our people participating through the value chain of beer production. The purpose of the LRED grant fund is to provide funding to enterprises which are not able to access funding from commercial banks as a result of liquidity challenges, lack of credit history, collateral, as well as high gearing.”
Adding to the spirit of the event, Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, Founder of Brewsters Academy, shared:
“It was an honour to witness the energy and ambition of young people and women in the Eastern Cape as we explored entrepreneurial opportunities within the beer value chain. As Brewsters Academy, we are proud to walk alongside these future entrepreneurs, future game changers. This is how transformation begins, with opportunity, support, and belief.”
BASA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Charlene Louw, attended the event and delivered the keynote address. She underscored the importance of building an inclusive and balanced beer market, noting the wide range of opportunities available in the value chain – from farming and agro-processing to logistics, brewing, and distribution.
“The pie is big enough for everyone,” said Mrs. Louw. “We want to see more women and black entrepreneurs participating meaningfully in this sector. Initiatives like these are essential in opening doors, building capability, and ensuring sustainable transformation in the beer industry.”
The event received overwhelming participation and positive feedback, with a strong turnout of women entrepreneurs eager to professionalize and grow their brewing businesses.
The BASA Skills Development and Training Initiative forms part of BASA’s ongoing commitment to promote inclusivity, entrepreneurship, and responsible industry growth across South Africa’s beer value chain.
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