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Gauteng MEC for Economic Development (GED) Tasneem Motara says her department is enthusiastic about Heineken's commitment to making a positive impact in communities - following a visit to its Sedibeng Brewery, the country’s largest freestanding solar plant powering a brewery.
Motara's visit to the plant in the Midvaal was to explore partnership opportunities between the European brewer and the department in the province. The brewery has an impressive 14 000 panels and an energy capacity of over 6.5MW. The solar plant provides 30% of the brewery's electricity demand, exemplifying Heineken's dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and embracing renewable energy sources.
“The brewery tour also emphasized the world-class infrastructure and the exceptional talent of the brewery's mostly youth staff, emphasising the potential for job creation and skills development in the Sedibeng region. By investing in modern, efficient, and sustainable production capacity, Heineken Beverages plans to contribute to the economic growth of the region and South Africa as a whole,” said the department.
The MEC’s visit comes after the Competition Tribunal approved Heineken South Africa’s acquisition of Distell and Namibian Breweries Limited (NBL). During the visit, Heineken presented its public interest commitments which arose from the acquisition. The commitments include:
• An ambitious R10bn investment plan over five years to grow production capacity and maintain a modern, efficient, sustainable, and well-capitalised business.
• Earmarking more than R5bn towards two Greenfield projects to construct a new brewery and maltery to reduce reliance on imports, bolster the local value chain, and create both permanent and temporary job opportunities across the sector.
• Establishing a supplier development fund totalling R400m that will be invested in businesses owned by historically disadvantaged groups.
• Contributing up to R200m towards promoting localisation initiatives in South Africa.
During the visit, Motara recognised the economic potential and job creation opportunities that will arise from the brewery's expansion plans and the focus on supporting local suppliers.
“The visit to the Heineken Sedibeng Brewery marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in the region's economic development journey. With its commitment to sustainability, community development, and innovative business practices, Heineken Beverages is poised to become a catalyst for growth in Sedibeng and a valuable partner for the Gauteng Department of Economic Development in shaping a prosperous future for all,” said the department.
This post was sponsored by the Gauteng Department of Economic Development and produced by Adspace Studio.
