Book launch: Brewing Identity - The Role of South Africa in the History of Namibian Beer

This book launch will be held in Dutch. It has been made possible with support from the Commission for South Africa of the Society of Dutch Literature (MdNL).

Namibian beer is immensely popular in Namibia and beyond. The beer that is brewed by Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) has grown into the national beverage of the country and is thus deeply ingrained into the idea of an autonomous and inclusive Namibia, which has been an independent state since 1990. But for decades on end, the same brew from the same company was not available to the black population as a consequence of colonial politics.

The book Breweries, Politics and Identity: the History Behind Namibian Beer by Tycho van der Hoog aims to explain how a European style beer has been transformed from an icon of white settlers into the symbol of an independent Namibian nation. The role of the South African state and South African Breweries is a vital aspect of this story. Drawing on fieldwork in Namibia and South Africa, and based on a wide array of sources, including old beer bottles, letters, photographs and interviews with (former) brewers, this book highlights the special relationship between the beer industry and national politics.

“Not a beer drinker? No problem. Breweries, Politics and Identity looks through a warm amber-coloured lens to bring us a view not only of the beer industry but of a broad history of Namibia from the late 19th century to the present.”

- Anne Mager, Emeritus Professor at the University of Cape Town and author of the book Beer, Sociability and Masculinity in South Africa (Indiana University Press, 2010).