Durban — In honour of Women’s month, the Beer Association of South Africa (Basa) on Thursday partnered with the KwaZulu-Natal Liquor Authority (KZNLA) to host a Liquor Industry Symposium for women working in the micro-manufacturing sector.
The symposium in the Amanzimtoti Civic Centre was aimed at promoting the development of a responsible, inclusive and sustainable liquor industry by facilitating new and diversified entrants into the sector.
A number of key stakeholders were in attendance, including the acting CEO of the KZNLA, Bheki Mbanjwa, and officials from the Department of Agriculture and SA Revenue Service.
Women leaders in the local beer industry including Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela addressed the attendees. Nxusani-Mawela is the first black woman to open a microbrewery in South Africa, alongside Megan Gemmel, who is a brewer and the owner of Clockwork Brewhouse.
Basa CEO Patricia Pillay also addressed the attendees on opportunities available to women in the liquor industry.
“Women operating businesses within our local beer industry make significant contributions towards the growth of our local economy, which is mirrored by the growth we see within their own enterprises.
“We need to continue making 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,” said Pillay.
The symposium gave women entrepreneurs “much-needed” industry information that would help them in growing their businesses as they sometimes face a number of challenges in the male-dominated industry.
Some of the information that was shared with them included how to obtain a micro-manufacturing licence and other necessary requirements such as obtaining police clearance certificates and excise.
Mbanjwa said they acknowledge the concept of women empowerment as it is a global phenomenon, which forms part of the bigger government strategy designed to affirm all the disadvantaged sections of society to actively participate in all spheres of the nation’s life, especially in the economy.
“The KZNLA supports and celebrates women in the liquor industry and recognises their pivotal role in ensuring job security and their contribution to the fight against poverty in our country.
“We believe that empowered women contribute to the financial stability of their families, communities, and the country,” he said.
Representatives from SA Breweries (SAB) and Distell also provided more information on women empowerment initiatives being offered by their companies, while Absa shared resources regarding access to funding.
The symposium was a resounding success, with more than 100 female entrepreneurs attending.
Basa will again be partnering with the KZNLA to host a second symposium later in August for women-owned small enterprises in the alcohol industry.
Daily News