Kopano Monaheng
EARNING an income and gaining work experience, even on a casual basis can be more beneficial and life-changing.
Too many people in Mzansi today are unemployed, especially the youth. To help create jobs for all South Africans, the government along with the private sector needed to work together.
This is why Mzansi’ most consumed beer HEINEKEN, took it upon itself to ensure that people in South Africa are able to put food on their tables. HEINEKEN has this week announced its partnership with a foreign company, Soufflet Malt to construct a new malt facility in Midvaal, Gauteng. The media was then invited to a sod turning event, on Thursday 5 February.
Malt is cereal grain most commonly barley—that has been soaked in water, allowed to germinate (sprout), and then dried in a kiln to stop growth. This process activates enzymes that break down starches into sugars, making it essential for fermenting beer and whiskey, as well as providing flavor to foods like malted milk, bagels, and candy.
The facility after it is built, is expected to create 55 permanent jobs, support hundreds of farmers, and generate between 200 and 300 indirect jobs across agriculture, logistics and related services.
Jorge Solis, CEO of Soufflet Malt, said the project is a strong vote of confidence in South Africa’s agricultural sector and will strengthen South Africa’s brewing value chain:
“By investing in local industrial capacity and working closely with farmers, we are building a resilient, sustainable locally integrated malt supply chain that will support long-term agricultural and industrial development in the region”.
The investment is underpinned by agronomy programmes supporting both commercial and emerging farmers. Through training, mentoring and commercial support, Soufflet Malt is helping South African farmers adopt best-practice agronomy to produce high-quality, premium barley at scale.
Heineken is also working closely with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), to ensure that this partnership is a success. Emerging farmers will also have access to funding for agricultural equipment.
The support includes a combination of grant funding and interest-free finance, helping to lower barriers to entry and enable sustainable participation in South Africa’s barley supply chain.
Aligned to HEINEKEN’s global Brew a Better World 2030 strategy, the investment reflects the brewer’s long-term commitment to growing its business in South Africa while strengthening local supply chains, supporting inclusive agricultural development and reducing its environmental footprint.
Central to this approach is sustainable sourcing – prioritising local ingredients, reducing unnecessary imports and emissions, and investing in partnerships that build long-term resilience across the value chain and the wider economy.Jordi Borrut, managing director of HEINEKEN Beverages, said:
“This malthouse is a clear demonstration of our Brew a Better World ambitions in action, in South Africa.”
Guillaume Couture, president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at Soufflet Malt, added: “Our investment in Midvaal stems from long-term partnerships with customers, farmers and local stakeholders. This facility is a tangible expression of our confidence in South Africa’s agricultural and brewing sectors and our commitment to their continued development.”
