The Central University of Technology Hotel School and CUTbrU held their annual Beer and Food Affair, a beer and food pairing experience where attendees got to experience a delicious four-course menu prepared by the hotel school and craft beer brewed by the CUT beer brewing team.

Councillor Matthew Rantso, Council Chairperson, encouraged attendees to enjoy an evening of guilt-free indulgences. “While we are grateful for a slow return of social events, we urge you to remain cautious and adhere to the safety protocol that has almost become second nature to us. Although we are seeing slight improvements in the spread of infection, let’s remain vigilant”, said Cllr Rantso. “This fair aims to connect CUT with the communities we serve, strengthen the university’s ties with its surrounding economic space, and sustain a public affinity for CUT. Tonight, you will be able to taste the outcome of their ingenuity to secure a sustainable beer supply that will benefit the region in the near future,” he added.

“From a South African perspective, we’ve only been exposed to four styles of beer, but that doesn’t mean that the commercial beer available is not excellent quality, characterful as well as really good representatives of these styles. So, the aim tonight is to give you a little bit of an introduction to other styles, in this case, we will introduce the craft beers with a few fun facts about their history,” said Dr Olga de Smidt, Deputy Director of the Centre for Applied Food Sustainability and -Biotechnology (CAFSaB).

Prof. Alfred Ngowi, acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal said that both CUT and partners could draw inspiration from the Food and Beer Fair to develop innovative and entrepreneurially oriented students. “Dr de Smidt’s work showcased here, is the epitome of what we as an institution strive for. We salute you for the sterling job you have done on this project. The university depends on the expertise of academics to develop the type of collaborations visible at this Fair. What we see here shows our commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation project which we are embedding into our academic programmes,” said Prof. Ngowi. If the name, Dr Olga de Smidt rings a bell, we recently shared the news that she was selected for the DHET Future Professors Programme.

“Thanks to our sponsors, partners from government, business and industry, patrons of the Fair, and everyone who have contributed to the success of this Fair tonight. We value your presence and your support,” he concluded.

Captions

1: Mr Greg Brown, Regional Manager: MICTSETA; Dr Olga de Smidt, Deputy Director of CAFSaB; Cllr. Matthew Rantso, CUT Chairperson of Council; Madam Justice Mahube Molemela, CUT Chancellor and Prof. Alfred Ngowi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal

2: Mr Greg Brown, Ms Beverly Rantso, Cllr. Matthew Rantso, Mr Sello Molemela, Madam Justice Mahube Molemela, Prof. Alfred Ngowi, Ms Itumeleng Kgololo-Ngowi enjoyed experiencing a delicious four-course menu with meals prepared by the Hotel School and beer brewed by the CUT beer brewing team.

3: Behind the scenes, there is a team of experts who brought the event to life. Prof. Ryk Lues, Director: CAFSaB; Dr Crowther Dalene, acting Head of the Hotel School; Mr Janwillem Scheepers, CUTbru Brewer; Dr Olga de Smidt, Deputy Director of CAFSaB; Mr Anton Erasmus, SAB Trade Brewer; Ms Jaydee Snyman, Operational Manager: Hotel School and Prof. Nicolaas Luwes, CUT Associate Professor.