CUT’s Centre for Applied Food Security and Biotechnology (CAFSaB) in the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences hosted its 2022 hugely popular annual Beer and Food Affair on 20 October 2022.

In his welcome address, Prof. Alfred Ngowi, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, said the craft beer initiative began when two post-doctoral fellows, Dr Hanita Swanepoel and Dr Jasiu Lewtak joined CAFSaB in 2014 and 2016 under the supervision of Prof. Ryk Lues, with the aim to ignite the imagination of the faculty to pursue a dream of brewing a craft beer at CUT. “This affair aims to connect us with the communities we serve, strengthen our local ties with surrounding economic space, and sustain our public affinity. An evening that was filled with pure enjoyment, fun and laughter.

To all our partners from government, business, and industry present here, thank you for joining us in celebrating the success of this fair, together, we will enjoy a memorable evening with a mixed blend of entertainment.,” said Prof. Ngowi.

The centre started participating in the national SAB craft brewing intervarsity in 2015 and, in a period of 2 years, managed to win several awards in various categories that included product development and branding. During the last 4 years, the BAFA and Intervarsity events have grown immensely with increased external support from AB-InBev, Heineken, the Beer Association of SA (BASA); the Craft Beer Association of SA (CBASA), the FoodBev SETA and others.

Captions

1: From Left: Dr Gary Paul, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Resources and Operations, Ms Mannini Nyokong, SABC Programs Manager, Prof. Alfred Ngowi, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Madam Justice Mahube Molemela, CUT Chancellor, Dr Olga De Smidt, Deputy Director: CAFSaB (team leader of the brewery project), Ms Mamontha Motaung, SABC Provincial General Manager, Mr Manda Mbusi, SABC Regional Operations Manager and Cllr Matthew Rantso, Chairperson of Council.

2:  Ms Gina Athanassiou,  Holanathi CEO, presented their nutritional intervention initiatives and was a sponsor for one of the evening’s courses.

3: The beautiful Hotel School Atrium was the venue of choice for another hugely successful Beer and Food Affair.