Brewing competition hosted in Thembisa
The participants’ brews were judged by the esteemed panel of judges who evaluated the beers on attributes such as taste, smell, appearance and texture.
Brew4Change NPC, the custodian of the uMqombothi Brewing Competition, held the fourth instalment of the annual competition on September 30.
This year’s event saw a record 80 entries with 10 participants attending the grand finale event held in Thembisa.
The participants’ brews were judged by the esteemed panel of judges who evaluated the beers on attributes such as taste, smell, appearance and texture.
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Tsholofelo Senwelo, a 25-year-old woman from Hammanskraal, won the title of Queen of Umqombothi 2023 and took home numerous gifts from the sponsors and a cash reward of R5 000.
Senwelo made history by becoming the youngest queen since the competition’s start in 2019.
She joined the competition after attending a masterclass session held in September at the Vosloorus Boulevard.
When asked about her winning formula, Tsholo shared that the secret was in the preparation process.
While outlining her brewing process, she emphasised that before brewing she had to call on her ancestors and ask them to guide her through the process.
Founder of this prestigious competition and MD of Brew4Change, Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, congratulated all the participants, including second and third-place winners Diketso Naledzan and Nonzwakazi Modise.
“The event is also about celebrating and preserving our African culture and heritage while ensuring that our African brewing traditions are being passed on,” said Nxusani-Mawela.
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The role of traditional African brewing in tourism was further emphasised by host Fika Mokwana, secretary general of Ekurhuleni Tourism and Heritage Association (ETHA).
Mokwana thanked everyone who attended the event and got to experience Thembisa township for the first time.
“We are grateful that you got to enjoy great food, drinks and the beautiful venue,” Nxusani-Mawela said.
The event was also attended by Ndebele chief Ndabezitha Delisa Masilela also known as Macingwane.
UNdabezitha, as the keynote speaker, gave an educational talk on the history of the Nguni people of South Africa.
What’s next for the Queen of Umqombothi 2023?
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The winner will be mentored by Brewmaster Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela on the art and business of brewing.
She will also get the opportunity to showcase her uMqombothi Brew as part of the TolokaziBeer crew at the upcoming Clarens Beer Festival and Capital Craft Beer Festival.
