Teaching Black Youth the Science of Beer
At a small brewery in Johannesburg, Apiwe Nxusani‑Mawela is doing more than brewing beer. She is training a new generation of Black brewers. Most of her 13 students are young Black women. Each of them holds a background in science, from chemical engineering to biotechnology.
The classes are hands-on. Students wear hairnets, measure ingredients, and brew their own pale ale. “We are looking for a balance between the sugar and the grains,” Nxusani‑Mawela tells them. For many of them, this is the first time they are seeing beer as more than a drink — it’s a business and a career.
Breaking Norms in a Male Industry
Nxusani‑Mawela is South Africa’s first Black woman to own a craft brewery. She opened Tolokazi Brewing in Wynberg, Johannesburg, after years of training and brewing. Her journey started in 2007 as a hobby. Today, she is an international beer judge and a mentor to future brewers.
“The industry is not diverse,” she said. “But it should be normal to see Black people and women brewing beer.” She wants others to see what she has achieved and know it’s possible for them too.
Brewsters Academy Gives Students a Head Start
The Brewsters Academy program runs for a full year. For six months, students learn the science of beer. They explore styles from all over the world and the continent. Then, they move on to a six-month job placement.
One student, Lerato Banda, says mashing is her favorite part. “It’s where the beer and everything starts,” she said. Her dream is to start her own brand. Another student, Lehlohonolo Makhethe, sees brewing as part of her culture. “We are going back to our roots as women,” she said.
African Flavors in Every Bottle
Nxusani‑Mawela is also passionate about preserving African beer traditions. One of her award-winning drinks, Wild African Soul, mixes traditional Umqombothi with Belgian-style beer. It won the 2025 African Beer Cup.
She also uses African ingredients like marula and rooibos in her Tolokazi line. These unique flavors reflect her belief that African culture belongs in every sip. “Umqombothi is our African way,” she said. “Everybody should know how to make it.”
Crafting a New Future in Brewing
South Africa’s beer industry supports over 200,000 jobs and adds $5.2 billion to the economy. Yet few of those roles are held by Black women. Nxusani‑Mawela is working to change that. By combining science, business, and culture, she is opening doors for others to follow.
“I wanted to make sure that I’m not the first and last,” she said. With her leadership, more Black women may soon be leading breweries of their own.
