Business

SIMUNYE – Eswatini’s sugar industry has reached a historic milestone after becoming the first in Africa to achieve certification under the Bonsucro production standard v5.2.

This is the world’s leading sustainability framework for sugar cane production.

The certification, which was officially handed over yesterday at the Simunye Country Club, recognises the Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation (RESC) Simunye mill, Tambankulu Estate, and Eswatini Sugar for their joint commitment to responsible and inclusive production.

The achievement marks a defining moment for Eswatini’s sugar industry, which continues to be one of the country’s key economic pillars, contributing significantly to export earnings, employment and community development.

Michael Ogg, Bonsucro’s Regional Manager for Africa, the Middle East and Australasia, described Eswatini’s sugar sector as ‘world-class, with a real commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.’

“This certification is a testament to that. I’m confident it will further enhance the industry’s reputation among all stakeholders and I look forward to seeing the scope of certification expand to include more farms and estates in the years ahead,” Ogg said.

The Simunye mill made history as the first sugar mill in mainland Africa to attain Bonsucro certification under Version 5.2 of the global production standard. The certified sugar cane comes from the Tambankulu Estate, demonstrating a shared commitment between millers and growers to uphold sustainable production practices.

Ogg applauded the collaboration that made this possible, noting that ‘the Eswatini Sugar leadership was instrumental in bringing the industry together around a shared purpose.’ 

The Bonsucro certification is not only about compliance, but also about ensuring continuous improvement in corporate social responsibility (CSR), environmental due diligence and long-term economic viability.

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Certification boosts competitiveness

SIMUNYE - Eswatini Sugar CEO Banele Nyamane said the certification would give the industry a competitive edge in international markets, where sustainability credentials are increasingly influencing trade decisions.

“This recognition will boost the industry by positioning our sugar at a premium level. Buyers today want assurance that the products they purchase meet high sustainability standards. This certification gives Eswatini that credibility,” Nyamane stated. He added that the milestone would open up access to new markets and better pricing opportunities, as global consumers continue to demand responsibly produced goods.

Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation (RESCorp) Managing Director Nick Jackson said achieving Bonsucro certification affirmed the company’s commitment to world-class standards that align with global leaders such as Brazil and Australia. “At RESCorp, sustainability is embedded in how we operate.

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Growers celebrate shared success

SIMUNYE - Tambankulu Estates Managing Director Chris Shabangu echoed similar sentiments, saying the journey to certification was long and demanding, but ultimately rewarding.

“The journey has been long and filled with challenges, but our team rose to the occasion. We renewed our membership with Bonsucro and committed ourselves to sustainability and excellence. Through training and awareness programmes, our employees embraced the standards required and today we celebrate this success together,” Shabangu said.

He thanked Eswatini Sugar and other stakeholders for their collaboration, adding that the certification marked the beginning of a new chapter of growth and responsible production for Tambankulu Estates.

*Full article available in our publication.

(L-R) Eswatini Sugar Head of Technical Services Noah Dlamini, Chief Executive Officer Banele Nyamane, Bonsucro’s Regional Manager for Africa, the Middle East and Australasia Michael Ogg, Eswatini Sugar Marketing Manager Karabo Moti, Head Cane Testing and Quality Mandisa Maphalala and Commercial Director Walter Matsebula. (Pic: Nhlanganiso Mkhonta)