SABMiller’s story began with the establishment of South African Breweries (SAB) in 1895. Founded in Johannesburg during the gold rush era, SAB aimed to meet the growing thirst of miners and prospectors flocking to the region. The company’s rapid success led to its historic listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange just two years later, making SAB the first industrial enterprise to do so.
By the early 1990s, South African Breweries was a well-established name in the local market. However, the company had global ambitions. This international expansion started to materialize as SAB made strategic acquisitions across various continents, transforming from a regional player to a global brewing titan.
The Formation of SABMiller
The pivotal moment in SAB’s global expansion came in May 2002 when SAB plc acquired the U.S.-based Miller Brewing Company. This merger led to the formation of SABMiller plc, a new global entity. With this acquisition, SABMiller established itself as one of the world’s largest beer producers, with a wide portfolio of beloved brands, including Miller, Foster’s, and Pilsner Urquell.
The headquarters of SABMiller was situated in Woking, England, but its influence spanned 80 countries worldwide. By 2009, the company was selling an impressive 21 billion liters of beverages annually, reinforcing its position as a dominant player in the global market. Additionally, SABMiller was a major Coca-Cola bottler, further diversifying its business interests.
SABMiller’s Acquisition by AB InBev
In October 2016, a landmark deal reshaped the global brewing industry: Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the world’s largest beer producer, acquired SABMiller for a staggering $107 billion. This acquisition not only created the world’s most extensive beer company but also marked the end of SABMiller as a standalone entity. Post-acquisition, SABMiller’s operations were integrated into AB InBev, and its stock ceased trading on global markets.
AB InBev, with its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium, and listings on multiple stock exchanges (Brussels, New York, and Johannesburg), became the ultimate custodian of SABMiller’s extensive brand portfolio. This deal had significant ramifications for the global brewing landscape, consolidating the power of AB InBev and reshaping the beer market dynamics.
SABMiller’s Legacy in South Africa
Despite the global integration, SABMiller’s legacy remains deeply embedded in South Africa. The company’s history is intertwined with the country’s economic development, from supporting local agriculture to creating thousands of jobs. Moreover, SAB’s early listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and its consistent contributions to the South African economy left an indelible mark.
Even under AB InBev’s ownership, SAB’s operations in South Africa continue to be a crucial part of the company’s strategy. AB InBev has maintained SAB’s commitment to community development and sustainability, ensuring that the spirit of SABMiller lives on.
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.