Countdown to the 97TH SASTA CONGRESS….
The 97th Congress of the South African Sugar Technologists' Association (SASTA; https://sasta.co.za) is being hosted at the Durban International Convention Centre from the 12 - 14 August 2025, followed by the SASTA Golf Day on Friday, 15 August at the Umhlali Country Club.
The SASTA Congress is a premier event on the sugar industry calendar and attracts delegates from both the local and international markets. Last year, Congress hosted a record breaking 683 delegates hailing from 18 countries. At this stage, the 2025 registration numbers appear to be on par with last year’s numbers, with a possibility that we we may break more attendance records!
SASTA Congress highlights the trends and advances made in the growth of the crop and in the processing of the sugarcane. The 97th Congress will highlight the theme of Sustainability. This year’s keynote speaker is Liesel Kassier, the Metair Academic Head of Green Manufacturing at the Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies. She will share latest trends in sustainability, covering the current thinking on green manufacturing, green economy, sustainable finance and renewable energies.
Sugar Technologists will converge at this year’s SASTA Congress to exchange ideas and hold robust discussions on various topics around Sustainability and other important factors impacting on the growth and processing of the crop. In addition to scientific presentations, the Congress also hosts a trade exhibition. The exhibition floor provides an excellent platform for engagement and networking. I am pleased to announce that the stalls for this year’s exhibition are completely sold out!
The stage is set, with a sold-out exhibition and high delegate numbers for an exciting 97th SASTA Congress. We look forward to seeing you there.
Dr Sumita Ramgareeb
SASTA Congress Organising Committee Chair