On South African National Beer Day, 7 Febry, the Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) invites South Africans to toast the vibrant culture, proud heritage and unifying community spirit behind beer — from timeless traditional brews to cutting-edge craft creations.
More than just a drink, beer is woven into the country’s social fabric and identity. The formal beer industry alone contributes over R90 billion to South Africa’s GDP, generates more than 210 000 jobs across agriculture, brewing, hospitality and logistics, and pumps significant tax revenue into the national economy.
Founded in 2017 by beer writer and industry advocate Lucy Corne, #SANBeerDay takes place every first Saturday in February. What began as a grassroots movement has grown into a nationwide celebration championing creativity, ingenuity and the unique stories behind South African beer.
“Beer is more than South Africa’s favourite beverage, it’s a cultural connector that brings people together,” says Charlene Louw, CEO of BASA. “On South African National Beer Day we honour the full spectrum of our beer landscape from premium lagers and bold craft ales to indigenous brews like umqombothi – and the people who make them. At the same time, we’re clear: enjoy responsibly so that beer continues to uplift our communities without harm.”
“South African craft beer strives to bring new types of beer to the market to showcase the varieties of aromas, colour and depth flavours that exist in the category,” says Craig Claassen, Chairman of the Craft Brewer’s Association of South Africa (CBASA). “We generally use a combination of local and imported ingredients, often brewed in small batches to ensure the beers on the market showcase the art and craft that went into the brewing of this versatile drink. South African National Beer Day is a chance to experience this for yourself, perhaps with a few special releases in the market, but importantly, it is hopefully the start of a deeper appreciation of these proudly South African microbreweries and the care they put into each beer.”
South Africa’s beer story spans centuries. Indigenous brewing traditions sit alongside a booming craft scene that includes hundreds of microbreweries nationwide, each injecting local character into their communities and expanding the diversity of beer choices available.
What to Expect on South African National Beer Day:
- Local brewery open days, tastings and curated food pairings spotlighting South African beers.
- Celebrations and specials across tap rooms and restaurants in every province.
- Chances to explore beer styles from every corner of the country – from crisp lagers and juicy IPAs to traditional African brews.
BASA and partners are reminding everyone that responsible beer enjoyment isn’t optional – it’s central to keeping the celebration positive and safe. If you plan to drink, pace yourself and secure a safe way home.
Follow updates and inspiration on South African National Beer Day at the official Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/sanbeerday/. Visit www.beersa.org for more.
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