Brewing beer a woman thing
Featured in Forbes magazine as one of SA’s accomplished women beer brewers, Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela is making a name for herself in the world of beer. The co-owner of craft brewery Brewhogs in Midrand believes brewing is very much “a woman thing” in Africa. Q: What inspired you to study beer brewing?
A: I loved biology at high school. It was in Grade 11 that I really got to know about studies in microbiology and products that can be made. I then obtained a BSc degree in microbiology at the University of the Witwatersrand and an honours degree at the University of Pretoria. I joined SAB’s graduate recruitment programme and trained as a brewer and later obtained a diploma in brewing and master brewer qualifications, from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling.
Q: Has your career choice been worthwhile?
A: Looking back now, I think I made the perfect career choice. What I do on a daily basis is more than just a job for me but my life. I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.
Q: Do women make better beer brewers?
A; Historically, brewing was a woman’s responsibility before beer-making was industrialised and men took over. Interestingly, in African cultures, women are still the main brewers.
Q: What is your favourite way of relaxing?
Brewing is a very physically demanding job, with long working hours. After hectic brewing days, I like spending time with my husband and 7-year-old son at home or to go out and just relax. Q; Which is the best beer you have tasted so far?
A: That is a very tough question. I’ve had a few great beers, each best in its own right.
Q: Do you encounter stereotypes in the male-dominated beer world?
A: lot of people get shocked that I am black, female and a qualified brewmaster. Often, after the initial shock, people are impressed by that.