OnTap Magazine

ontapmag.co.za | Summer 2025 | 1 Joya Taft-Dick EDITOR I n this, our Summer and end-of-year issue, we celebrate the ongoing events and competitions that both train and champion the individuals who make up South Africa’s beer industry, we tip our hats in honour of those who challenged and changed the beer narrative, and we look ahead at what’s to come in 2026. Intervarsitybrew TM , held at the Central University of Technology in Bloemfontein was yet another success, demonstrating how to develop and foster the next generation of beer industry professionals. Africa Brew 2025, this year hosted by Sabie Brewery inMpumelanga,marked the tenthanniversaryof the country’s only travelling, brewer-driven conference. As Co-Founder Megan Gemmell writes, Africa Brew “has grown into a rolling classroom, a catalyst for beer tourism, and an annual pilgrimage that encourages brewers and enthusiasts to explore new breweries and the communities that host them.” And most recently, there was the South African National Beer Trophy in Cape Town at the end of November, which continues to be the “largest beer competition dedicated solely to beers brewed in South Africa.” Each of these events o ers more than just a conference or a competition; they are, as Megan put it, “classrooms” and opportunities for camaraderie and growth. is year also saw its fair share of di culty and heartbreak, one of the most striking being the loss of Ndumiso Madlala, founder of Soweto Gold, the rst black-owned craft brewery born in a township. Su ce it to say that in his all-too-short lifetime, Ndumiso broke down barriers and set a powerful example for what’s possible – for generations to come. Or as his former business partner put it, “He didn’t just brew beer, he brewed possibility.” It’s that very possibility that we must look forward to in 2026. Johan Auriacombe, longtime member and supporter of the industry, shares his predictions as well as his suggested principles, for us to consider – and his optimism is infectious. “South Africa needs to become a recognised international beer destination. We have the natural talent, the culture, the creativity, and the resilience to make it happen. We need to build a beer identity that is uniquely South African, one rooted in togetherness. We live in a country that has some of the most complex social issues in the world, but still, we nd a way to come together. Our beer community is… producing some of the best beers in the world, and that is only possible because we have such a diverse population.” I can’t help but agree. Maybe after you read these and the other stories of innovation and curiosity in this issue, you will too. ank you as always for reading, and may you and yours have a happy and safe end of year! Cheers! Letter from the Editor