Building a legacy and growing a nation. SAB celebrates 125 years.
Born in the City of Gold, Castle Brewery was founded in 1895, serving crisp cold golden beers to miners along with the newly discovered goldfields. Even back then, this liquid gold brought people together through their hardships and helped them celebrate their successes. In this trying year, when we celebrate our 125th anniversary, the true essence and resilience of SAB was revealed through the people that make us who we are today. This historic occasion embodies the value we add to the South African economy and highlights our responsibility to this nation in raising awareness on responsible consumption and helping to upskill the next generation of South African entrepreneurs.
Our 125th anniversary gives us the opportunity to look back at the history and heritage that have shaped us since 1895. From being the first industrial company to list on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, to supporting equal employment opportunities since 1971, laying claim to one of the country’s most awarded beers, Carling Back Label, to becoming part of the world’s largest brewery.
The South African Breweries was started by an entrepreneur and has been inspired to support thousands of entrepreneurs over the years through various initiatives that help grow our country, and support thousands of livelihoods. We believe in champions who make a positive change and we know that by helping local businesses, we can build a South Africa where everyone gets a share of the rewards. Today, we source almost 100% of our raw materials locally, contributing to rebuilding South Africa’s economy. Our commitment to building thriving communities and a sustainable future remains unwavering.
Celebrating Our Legacy
Today, SAB provides 5 697 jobs while supporting more than 140 000 livelihoods across the value chain, all the way from farmers to glass manufacturers, and tavern owners to a fleet of independent truck owner-drivers.
We are proud to partner with 3 739 suppliers of which 1 345 are SMMEs, and stock the shelves of 34 000 retailers nationwide and SAB sources agricultural inputs from more than 1 277 farmers of which 757 are emerging farmers. In this way, SAB is an integral partner in driving township entrepreneurship, while providing countless employment opportunities across numerous sectors and industries, where they are needed the most.
In 2018/9 the economic impact of brewing amounted to R387.1 billion with a corresponding employment impact of 173,520 jobs and R13 billion in beer excise for the state. It is clear that beer is a formidable contributor to the South African economy.
Growing Our Future
At SAB, our dream is to support the creation and retention of sustainable jobs and drive economic inclusion that will enable thousands of entrepreneurs to access opportunities. We believe in our entrepreneurs, we believe in their dreams, in their drive to succeed and the difference they make in our communities. Through SAB Zenzele, our B-BBEE ownership transaction, we delivered R14 billion to more than 40 000 beneficiaries, making it South Africaʼs largest in the fast-moving consumer goods sector. Imagine the future these people can build for themselves and their descendants. Equality, social Responsibility, education and environmental consciousness have been intrinsic to our business interests and operations over the decades.