OnTap Magazine

In August, the Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) partnered with the KwaZulu-Natal Liquor Authority to host two liquor industry symposiums for women working in the micro-manufacturing sector, as well as for female liquor traders and business owners in the province. Both symposiums were aimed at promoting the development of a responsible, inclusive and sustainable alcohol industry – this is something that is particularly important to us within our local beer sector. The first event took place at the Amanzimtoti Civic Centre on 18 August and provided micro-manufacturers with industry specific information that would help them grow their businesses. There are few things that can be as empowering as the upliftment that is achieved from the financial freedom and success of our women in South Africa. Topics that were covered included how to obtain a micro- manufacturing license and other regulatory requirements such as obtaining police clearance certificates and excise. Women business owners in our sector unfortunately still face a number of challenges in what is still a predominantly male- dominated industry – some of these include barriers to entry in the form of high capital investments required towards the purchasing of equipment and materials. These and many other concerns were discussed with invaluable insights from women running successful businesses in the sector. Many may not be aware of the fact that 57% of liquor outlets in our country are owned by women – meaning that symposiums such as this one have a tremendous capacity to impact the catalytic growth of enterprises in this sector, which each support several families and livelihoods in their relevant communities. The symposium was attended by a number of key stakeholders including the Mayor of Ethekwini, Mxolisi Kaunda, Acting CEO of the KZNLA, Bheki Mbanjwa and officials from the Department of Agriculture and South African Revenue Service. Attendees were also addressed by female trailblazers in the local beer industry, including Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, BASA’s Beer Relations Manager, but also the first black woman to open a microbrewery in South Africa. She was joined by Megan Gemmell, brewer and owner of Clockwork Brewhouse, who shared an intimate account of the challenges women can expect to face in this male-dominated industry. Representatives from South African Breweries (SAB) and Distell were also present and provided more information on women empowerment initiatives being offered by their companies, while Absa shared resources regarding access to funding. This is a critical component to ensuring the empowerment of women-owned businesses in the sector, as access to capital remains a hurdle for those seeking to start and grow enterprises in the industry. There can be no doubt that we must continue to make resources available to further develop the skills and abilities of women in our sector if we want to see true and lasting economic empowerment through businesses in beer. Thankfully, the symposium was a resounding success, with over 100 female entrepreneurs attending for their benefit. The success of this event was mirrored by the success of the second symposium which was hosted on 25 August, at the Osizweni Community Hall and was aimed at female liquor traders and business owners. Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela was once again appointed as Programme Director and was joined at the event by Nonsikelelo Ndlovu (Promotional Rep from Distell) and Carol Mbhele (Social Responsibility Practitioner at the KZNLA). The acting CEO of the KZNLA, Bheki Mbanjwa, was once again present to address participants. BASA hopes to partner with all provincial liquor authorities to ensure the promotion of similar industry events throughout the course of the year, in order to support and assist women to access economic opportunities within our local beer value chain, which already supports over 450 000 livelihoods in the country. BASA EMPOWERS WOMEN IN KZN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE KZNLA Left to right: Megan Gemmell (Owner and Brewer at Clockwork Brewhouse), Nonsikelelo Ndlovu Promotional Rep from Distell) and Carol Mbhele (Social Responsibility Practitioner at the KZNLA) address participants on the day Left: BASA’s Beer Relations Manager, Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, was Programme Director on the day Right: Attendees listen attentively to the topics covered on the day From left to right: Bheki Mbanjwa, CEO of the KZNLA, Patricia Pillay, CEO of BASA and Judy Naidoo, Licensing Specialist at SAB ontapmag.co.za | Spring 2022 | 9