As part of Freight Focus Month, the Western Cape Mobility Department visited the South African Breweries Maltings in Caledon on Monday 18 August, the largest malting plant on the African continent, underscoring the plant’s central role in the province’s industrial freight and beverage supply chains.
The department and SAB discussed current operations, the challenges SAB is facing, possible future opportunities and the key role that SAB plays in the Western Cape economy. They also explored practical ways to work together more closely to support smoother freight movement in the province.
The visit showcased how SAB uses rail transport to move inbound barley shipments and highlights the plant’s potential as a key participant in any future shift from road to rail freight. With its existing rail infrastructure and regular freight activity, SAB Maltings represents a strong candidate for contributing to broader rail-based logistics solutions the Department is exploring.
By spotlighting operations like SAB’s, the Department aims to emphasise that freight is not only about long-haul trucks industrial production, rail logistics, and manufacturing supply chains are equally critical. Supporting such industries through efficient freight logistics helps drive economic growth, create jobs, and move goods more sustainably.
