OnTap Magazine

BASA UPDATE LETTER FROM THE CEO OF THE BEER ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA Patricia Pillay CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT THIS SPRING While the last few months have certainly been a trying time for our industry and the nation as a whole, the advent of spring in September brings a sense of renewal as the country focuses on rebuilding. In keeping with this theme and in commemoration of Heritage Day on the 24th of September, the Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) uses this month’s edition of On Tap to showcase what the beer industry is doing to celebrate and preserve South Africa’s rich heritage, wildlife and environment. We highlight some of the creative ways local breweries have changed their operations, in order to run more sustainable, environmentally friendly businesses. We also celebrate our vibrant and diverse heritage by showing how craft brewers have incorporated the very essence of our nationality into their products and brands. Their beverages have become illustrious symbols of what it is to be South African. Finally, we turn our attention to the career pathways available to young people to become brewers in the industry, one of these being the Intervarsity Brewing Competition that will be held in October. Entries for two exciting industry competitions are also open, namely the Homebrewing Champs and the South African National (SAN) Beer Trophy. BASA will be sponsoring a new category this year, a low/non- alcoholic category for the first time. These competitions highlight the depth of our sector’s offering and we encourage brewers to enter before the respective deadlines. BASA is proud of the fact that our local beer industry is leading the charge when it comes to protecting and honouring South Africa’s rich heritage and culture as well as its beautiful environment. We also hope that through the career pathways currently available to young people, the next generation of industry leaders and trailblazers will be created and nurtured. We wish all readers a happy Heritage Day on the 24th of September and we hope you celebrate it by enjoying one of our country’s many world class beers. 12 | Spring 2021 | ontapmag.co.za