SAB Founder

When discussing the origins of South African Breweries (SAB), one name stands out: Charles Glass. The story of how SAB became one of the most prominent brewing companies in Africa—and later a global player—is deeply intertwined with the vision and entrepreneurship of its founder. Let’s dive into the rich history of Charles Glass and the establishment of SAB.

The Beginning: Charles Glass and the Founding of SAB

Charles Glass was an enterprising brewer who identified an opportunity in the bustling mining town of Johannesburg in the late 19th century. The city was booming, thanks to the discovery of gold in the Witwatersrand area, and the population was rapidly increasing. With this growing population, there was a rising demand for a steady and quality supply of beer.

In 1895, Glass established Castle Brewery in Johannesburg. From the outset, he focused on brewing high-quality beer that would cater to the diverse tastes of the new urban population. This emphasis on quality quickly gained traction, and Castle Lager soon became a favorite among locals and visiting miners.

The Formation of South African Breweries (SAB)

With Castle Brewery as its foundation, the business grew rapidly. The popularity of Glass’s beer caught the attention of investors who were eager to support the burgeoning enterprise. The success of Castle Lager, known for its crisp and refreshing taste, solidified Castle Brewery as a key player in the beer market. Subsequently, Castle Brewery became the head office of South African Breweries (SAB).

The year 1895 marked a significant milestone in the South African beer industry. Charles Glass’s efforts paved the way for SAB to become a dominant force not only in South Africa but also internationally, as the company expanded its reach in the years to come.

The Legacy of Charles Glass

Charles Glass is remembered as a pioneer in the South African brewing industry. His dedication to creating high-quality beer set the standard for the company that would grow into a brewing giant. Even today, Castle Lager remains one of the most iconic beer brands in South Africa, a testament to Glass’s brewing excellence.

SAB’s Global Expansion

After its humble beginnings under Charles Glass’s leadership, SAB did not stop growing. Over the decades, SAB expanded and merged with various breweries, becoming a major player in the global beer market. Eventually, SABMiller was formed, which later merged with Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) in 2016 to create the world’s largest brewing company.

Conclusion

Charles Glass’s story is a remarkable example of entrepreneurship and vision. From a small brewery in Johannesburg, he laid the foundation for what would become a global brewing empire.

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.