The South African Breweries and Isanti Glass hosted the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition , Mr Fikile Majola and the Premier of Gauteng, Mr Panyaza Lesufi at an event marking a successful three-year partnership. The event served to commemorate an economic growth initiative aimed at empowering the glass industry.
Deputy Minister Majola said, “We believe that by promoting black industrialisation we are changing the economic fortunes in the country - something that is very important to us. The Isanti Glass initiative is a strong example of a successful partnership that provides black-owned entities access to markets around the country.”
Gauteng Premier Lesufi expressed his anticipation at this new investment and partnership. “We are excited about this investment and partnership by SAB into Isanti. This is the right step towards supporting transformation and broadening economic participation and growing the Gauteng economy.”
SAB CEO, Richard Rivett-Carnac, said, “We are so proud to have successfully partnered with the first-ever black industrialists in the glass industry. Our journey began four years ago when the industry was in decline. Collaborating with Kwande Capital and being able to turn around the business has been especially rewarding. Today, our value chain stands stronger and is more productive thanks to their ongoing commitment. Supporting economic growth initiatives such as this, aligns with our passion as a business and remains an integral part of the SAB business strategy.”
Shakes Mtiwaza, Chairman of Isanti Glass, said, “We are extremely proud to be the first majority black-owned glass container manufacturer in South Africa. Working alongside SAB we have been able to build and transform Isanti Glass. Initiatives such as this, play a critical part in building the South African economy. To achieve growth, partnerships are essential. We are looking forward to the journey ahead. Furthermore, we are proud of the fact that 50% of our product is recycled making us an environmentally conscious manufacturer and contributing to environment sustainability.”
Rivett-Carnac added, “Driving transformation is critical for us as an organisation, and we see it as an opportunity to strengthen our supply chain and create a more sustainable and inclusive future. Localisation is equally as important, and our intention is to continue partnering with black industrialists and local SMME’s in our value chain to accelerate growth and transformation in the communities in which we operate.”
The event saw government and stakeholders brought closer together, “Recognising that a conducive and enabling environment is vital for business and economic growth, a partnership like this is a great example of how big business can use the strength of its procurement to transform industries and positively contribute to society. Today’s event was the first step in building an ongoing sustainable partnership with government to propel South Africa forward,” concluded Rivett-Carnac.
