Newcastle’s latest brewery has locals feeling the ‘spirit’.
28-year-old Vuyo Valashiya has set out on a journey of brewing beer, with the newly-formed Newcastle Brewing Company (NBC).
Valashiya was born and bred in Newcastle and matriculated from Hope High School in 2008.
He went on to study for a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) Degree in Logistics Management at the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria, but said he always had a keen interest in business.
“I have always been passionate about business. Growing up, I had a dream of starting a logistics company. My entrepreneurial skill started to develop while I was studying in university.”
Valashiya explained how the brewing company concept come about:
“In early 2018, I realised there was a gap in craft brewery in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), since most towns that have established their own locally produced brands are predominantly located in Western Cape and Gauteng. I learned more about local brands brewed across South Africa and noted that most towns and cities have brands which represent and honour the town or city in which the beer is brewed. I wanted Newcastle to have its own beer as well. My inspiration was ignited when I visited Ubuntu Kraal, the home of the Soweto Gold in August 2018. I connected with a few individuals who were already active in the industry and was motivated to make this dream come true. I then met with Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, the first black woman to own a micro-brewery in South Africa. I have been and still working closely with her to make the Newcastle Lager brand a reality.”
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He added he had a big vision for the brewing company and has a special place in his heart for beer:
“I would like the NBC brand to capture five per cent of the alcoholic beverage industry in KZN. I am hoping the brand will expand its product offering by including ciders and spirits. I would like it to have our own brewing and distillery facility in Newcastle. I love and enjoy a lager. I am hoping that Newcastle will share the same sentiments, especially when we can embrace our own brand and celebrate our own craftsmanship.
“I have been attending various beer festivals to learn more about craft beer. I have learned the brewing process, several beer styles and characteristics through training. The training I have attended includes introduction to brewing science and the basic sensory course. In the near future, I will be registered for a Diploma at the Institute of Brewing and Distilling.”
He added the town can now get its taste of the beer:
“Newcastle Lager’s recipe has been developed to have its unique colour, flavour, aroma and alcohol content. This recipe has been made for the enjoyment of all citizens of any race or gender, who enjoy good quality beer. The beer is now available at most pubs in Madadeni and Newcastle, with the first promotional campaign held in Madadeni in August.”
Valashiya said this brand also promised to create job opportunities:
“The brewery will create employment opportunities for the unemployed youth and put the skills, talent and qualifications possessed by the youth into good use, thereby growing the local economy and tackling the unemployment crisis. My vision is to create more entrepreneurial opportunities by forming relations with local entrepreneurs and local Government. One of the main focuses for the future is social responsibility. I would like to promote responsible drinking within the youth, assist underprivileged communities with education and sponsor local sports and recreational initiatives that contribute positively to the lives of the Newcastle community. I want to put the town on the global map by distributing the brand nationally and internationally in the near future.”
He also had some words of encouragement for the youth:
“The youth should identify gaps in the communities they are in and take advantage of the opportunities available to them. Now is the time to strategically position ourselves as young entrepreneurs, who can positively contribute to the economy and own businesses listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. We need to develop an appetite for bigger business opportunities like tobacco, mining, petroleum, banking, retail and property. My personal business motto is ‘if you can join them, beat them.’
“This implies that if you can access a certain market, work hard enough to compete directly with the market leaders and eventually surpass the leader,” he concluded.
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