Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela
Tribute
South Africa's brewing pioneer, Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, creates distinctive craft beverages while brewing stronger family bonds with her husband Rudzani and their two children. We celebrate the quality ingredients selected for both beer recipes and family dinner tables, the fermentation processes that require patience in kettle and in parenting, and the master brewer who considers her children's development her most important craft.
Profile
Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela is a pioneering brewmaster and entrepreneur renowned for her significant contributions to the brewing industry. She holds the distinction of being the first person in South Africa to earn a National Diploma in Clear Fermented Beverages and is celebrated as the country’s first black female brewmaster. Her passion for science and brewing led her to establish Brewsters Craft, a company dedicated to providing training, quality testing, and consulting services to both aspiring and professional brewers. She furthered her expertise by obtaining both a Diploma in Brewing and the Master Brewer Diploma from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling, becoming the first black African accredited as a trainer for the Institute. Apiwe is a passionate advocate for increasing female representation in the brewing industry, traditionally dominated by men. She actively works to challenge stereotypes and create opportunities for women brewers. In 2019, she led the brewing process for South African Breweries’ ‘Bold Brew,’ a limited-edition beer designed and brewed entirely by women to commemorate International Women’s Day. By organizing events like the International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day in South Africa, she fosters a supportive community for women in brewing. She is married to Rudzani Mawela, and together they have two children. Balancing her roles as a mother and entrepreneur, she continues to inspire many by breaking barriers and setting new standards in the brewing industry.