SAB’s Water Conservation Drive Restores Billions of Litres to South Africa’s Ecosystem

Beer and water share an inseparable bond—water makes up 90% to 95% of beer, making it an essential ingredient in brewing. But beyond the brewing process, South African Breweries (SAB) is taking bold steps to safeguard the country’s most precious resource—water.

Through a partnership with the City of Cape Town, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), SAB has restored 3.3 billion litres of water by clearing invasive vegetation in the Western Cape.

Tackling South Africa’s Water Scarcity Crisis

South Africa is one of the most water-scarce countries globally, receiving 40% less rainfall than the global average. Compounding the crisis is the spread of invasive alien plants like black wattle, eucalyptus, and pine, which consume up to 60% more water than indigenous vegetation.

To address this, SAB has adopted a nature-based solution—removing invasive plants and restoring critical water sources in the Boland Mountain Nature Reserve and the Upper Riviersonderend sub-catchment.

This initiative has not only replenished billions of litres of water but also boosted local employment, creating 69 jobs and offering skills development opportunities for local communities.

Collaboration for Water Security

The project is part of a broader water conservation strategy that aligns with both public and private sector interests.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis emphasized the importance of these collaborative efforts:

“Water is the lifeblood of our city, our economy, and our communities. Through partnerships like this, we can secure Cape Town’s water future.”

Meanwhile, Daniel Shemie, TNC’s Global Director of Fresh Water Resources, highlighted the need for joint action:

“No single organization can solve water stress alone. It requires collective leadership from both public and private sectors.”

SAB’s Commitment to Water Sustainability

As Africa’s largest brewer, SAB has made water conservation a core part of its sustainability strategy. The company has taken multiple steps to improve water efficiency, including:

• Clearing invasive plants to restore natural water flow.

• Investing in water-saving technologies like H2OK, which reduces water usage at SAB’s Newlands Brewery.

• Enhancing wastewater recycling and recovery at its facilities.

The Impact of SAB’s Water Conservation Efforts

3.3 billion litres of water restored
1,367 hectares of invasive plants cleared
321 hectares rehabilitated in the Upper Riviersonderend sub-catchment
163 million litres of water returned to the ecosystem
69 jobs created for local communities

Why This Matters

Water security isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s an economic and social imperative. By restoring vital water sources, SAB is ensuring the sustainability of its business, communities, and South Africa’s future water supply.

As Michel Doukeris, CEO of AB InBev (SAB’s parent company), put it:

“Water is the number one ingredient in beer. As the world’s leading brewer, we are committed to finding solutions to water challenges.”

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future for South Africa

With plans to expand conservation efforts and invest in more water-efficient innovations, SAB continues to drive real impact in water-stressed regions.

Through partnerships, innovation, and community engagement, the beer giant is proving that there’s no beer without water—and no future without sustainability.

{Source The Citizen}

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