OnTap Magazine

A new expression category was included in this year’s awards, in which teams were left to experiment and invent their own brews. The University of KwaZulu Natal won this award with their African Wild Ale entry. The award for the best label design went to the team from Stellenbosch University. The University of Cape Town were also crowned the overall winners of the competition by being awarded the best beer on show with their Dark Knight Czech Lager. We were also excited to sponsor a new award that was introduced for this first time at this year’s competition called the “Mentor of the year” award. The award recognises a mentor who goes above and beyond in providing leadership to their team and their commitment to making the intervarsity competition a success. The prize is a 60-litre single vessel microbrewery, which will be installed at the university and used by the student brewers. This year’s winner was Louis Ramoba, who mentors the Limpopo University team. When asked what this award means to him, Louis said, “I am honestly thankful for the prize. I amalso thankful for the hardwork which I have injected into the event, since joining the InterVarsity brewing competition family. There have been many hardships to overcome over the past 10 years in order to ensure that students get better and more dignified training on how to brew quality beers as well as also inspiring them to be better people in the future. I am also thankful for the people whom I have met on this journey, people who always guide and motivate me. This is not an individual award because I was not going to achieve it without the group of students that I mentor, and I am deeply indebted to all the people who have recognised my efforts. I hope this brewing equipment will offer us the opportunity to produce even better beers of high quality and to do better in the next brewing competition. I am also thankful for all sponsors who always support this brewing competition.” The main hosts of the event, namely South African Breweries (SAB) and the Central University of Technology (CUT) also shared their views on the competition with BASA. Prof Alfred Ngowi, CUT Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal said, “We are proud to have hosted the various universities taking part in the Brewing and Tasting Intervarsity, which aims to expose our students to brewing and beer culture. The knowledge and research that participants have undertaken in preparation for the intervarsity is essential in promoting craft brewing and beer culture in South Africa under the umbrella of responsible drinking.” Anton Erasmus, Trade Brewer at SAB said, “We are passionate about growing and empowering young brewers. This event represents the pinnacle of inter-collaboration between industry, academia and entrepreneurship. Its effectiveness, longevity and development are underpinned by a team of innovative, beer passionate and fun-loving people, occupying a unique niche in the world of beer.” BASA looks forward to continuing to being involved in the intervarsity competition in the years to come and inspiring more young people to pursue careers in the beer industry. Intervarsity photos by Maryke Venter. 8 | Summer 2022 | ontapmag.co.za