OnTap Magazine

ontapmag.co.za | Summer 2025 | 9 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 — within the province’s brewing sector. The collaboration follows a direct request from the ECLB to support transformation in a market where only one of the 22 registered brewers is black. The programme was designed to upskill black-owned brewing businesses and increase meaningful participation of women across the beer value chain. Brewsters Academy, an accredited brewing and training provider, delivered the technical training, while the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) outlined available financial and non-financial support for SMMEs. Chris Heacon, owner of Emeraldvale Brewery, also shared practical lessons on building a sustainable brewing business. Mr Tyali from the ECLB emphasised the importance of compliance, encouraging participants to formalise their businesses, work closely with the Board and explore cooperatives to strengthen market access. Representing DEDEAT, Mr Ngatiane reinforced government’s commitment to transformation: “We are pleased to collaborate with BASA to empower our people. The LRED fund exists to support enterprises that cannot access commercial funding due to liquidity constraints or lack of collateral.” Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, Founder of Brewsters Academy, added: “It was inspiring to see the ambition of young people and women exploring entrepreneurial opportunities in the beer value chain. This is how transformation begins — with opportunity, support and belief.” BASA CEO Charlene Louw delivered the keynote address, highlighting the breadth of opportunities in the beer value chain — from farming and agro-processing to logistics, brewing and distribution. “The pie is big enough for everyone,” she said. “We want more women and black entrepreneurs to participate meaningfully in this industry.” With an enthusiastic turnout and strong engagement, the initiative marks another step in BASA’s commitment to inclusivity, entrepreneurship and sustainable growth across South Africa’s beer sector. BASA AND EASTERN CAPE LIQUOR BOARD PARTNER TO EMPOWER WOMEN BREWERS