OnTap Magazine

MASH OUT There’s always a lot of talk about people’s reasons for wanting to leave SA, but what about the reasons foreigners choose to stay? We asked a few beer industry expats: SOUTH AFRICA? WHAT IS IT THAT YOU LOVE SO MUCH ABOUT ANAIA DOS SANTOS Front of House HQ & Administrator, BevPlus & Dematech Originally from: Uruguay The breath-taking beauty of the very different landscapes between regions. You have it all and you can see it all here. The diversity in races and cultures is wonderful and I love to learn all about heritage traditions and of course to try all the amazing foods each culture has to offer. SHAWN DUTHIE Owner & Brewer, Dissident Beer Originally from: Canada South Africa has such amazing diversity: diversity of landscapes, diversity of people, diversity of cuisines, cultures and increasingly, beer. As someone who works in politics, I fully understand the challenges the country faces, but I see a great future for SA if we can just work together to create it. NICK SMITH Owner & brewer, Soul Barrel Brewing Originally from: USA I think South Africa has a boundless potential and opportunity to make a difference. I believe craft beer is an amazing force for good. There is a huge opportunity to be a part of growing craft beer here and therefore make the world a better place. The marginal impact that one person like me can have here is much greater than anywhere else. CAMERON GRAY President, SouthYeasters Homebrewers Club Originally from: Australia I love the lifestyle here in the Cape. It’s much more relaxed than Sydney or London. Of course, my born-and-bred Capetonian wife might also have had something to do with my decision to move here… TATENDA CHIVAURA Head brewer at Mad Giant Originally from: Zimbabwe The small-scale brewing community here is made up of welcoming people who understand that one brewer’s success is everyone’s success. There is a lot of passion for beer and brewing within this community and you can see this by the way information is shared and the support the brewers give each other. KATE JONES Master brewer, recently retired SAB trade brewer Originally from: UK What I love about SA is its spectacular scenery. It has it all, from beach to berg to bush. There is so much to explore and revel in – I am not sure I could ever move back to Mud Island! Now please excuse me while I get back to my game drive… RANDOLF JORBERG Founder, Beerhouse Originally from: Germany The diversity of its people is South Africa’s biggest asset and overcoming the differences is its biggest challenge. This made me want to create a place where people get together and break down boundaries over a glass of the world’s best drink. 68 | Spring 2019 | ontapmag.co.za