OnTap Magazine

The Beer Association of South Africa is proud to have become a member of the Worldwide Brewing Alliance (WBA). The WBA’s objective is to share knowledge and best practices amongst beer brewers and industry stakeholders, through a global platform. It also aims to promotes the brewing industry to the public, international organizations and countries. The WBA recently shared an Oxford Economic Study which confirms beer’s significant global economic impact. It has revealed that in 2019, the global beer industry supported 23.1 million jobs and stimulated 555 billion USD in gross value-added contributions to global GDP. The latest study shared by the WBA reminds us of the role that beer plays in growing our economies and supporting job creation across the globe. This couldn’t be more true for our local beer industry back home, which has an impact that is far-reaching and extends beyond more than just a consumable product sale. Our local industry supports over 415 000 livelihoods across its supply chain, supporting thousands of small businesses across the country. The WBA also focuses on supporting social upliftment programmes being driven by beer industries across the globe, including the African content. In Botswana, the WBA has assisted with a campaign that targets moderate consumption and seeks to develop a culture where consumers know their limits and are responsible enough to acknowledge when they have had more than enough. This was supported by the Botswana Alcohol Industry Association as well as by traditional and civil leaders from all regions in the country. In Ghana, the WBA with Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited sponsored a television show which seeks to ensure responsible drinking with “Legends of Football” including Marcel Desailly. The campaign has provided consumers with tips on responsible drinking, including linking them with branded taxis that could take them home safely after a night out. In Lesotho, the WBA has assisted with a public radio campaign program which advocated for a change in behaviour amongst young legal drinking age adults with the aim of driving responsible alcohol use in the country. These efforts have been echoed by the WBA in several other countries in Africa, including Egypt, Nigeria and Rwanda. In South Africa, the WBA has distributed posters for display in taxis and on trains, designed to raise awareness about the dangers of excessive consumption. This has been complemented by several educational programmes in schools and communities on the dangers of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome as well. The WBA has proved, once again, that beer industries and associations across the globe continue to work towards the economic empowerment of our communities, while driving a message of moderate consumption amongst consumers. The Beer Association of South Africa looks forward to partnering with the WBA on many new exciting initiatives in the future. BEER IN AFRICA AND THE WORLD 12 | Winter 2022 | ontapmag.co.za