FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
School of Biological Sciences
Subject Group: Microbiology

News

NWU participated in SAB Intervarsity Microbrewery Competition, Durban, Pietermaritzburg:  Five Honors students of the Microbiology Department had the privilege of representing the North West University (NWU) at the first National Intervarsity Microbrewery Competition 2008.  This competition was the first one to be held with the main aim of giving South African Universities the opportunity to form part of the brewing culture and to be exposed to bursary opportunities.  It was hosted by SAB in collaboration with FoodBev SETA and IBD (International Brewery & Distillery) and it was an excellent opportunity for these organizations to develop and expand brewing talent amongst enthusiastic students who are interested in developing a career in brewing.  The NWU competed against the University of Pretoria (Tuks), Witwatersrand (Wits), Cape Town (UCT), Stellenbosch (Maties) and UKZN (Pietermaritzburg Campus & Westville) in terms of quality of beer, labeling and presentations.  Lager, Ale and a Specialty beer were judged by certified beer tasters, while labels and presentations     were judged by representative SAB and FoodBev SETA – IBD Africa Section delegates.
 

                             
      Front from left to right: Andia van Niekerk, Abraham Mahlatsi and Simone Ferreira
                           At the back from left to right: Jerry Lourens and Danie Brink.

The University of Pretoria walked away with the Ben Lamaletie – IBD Legend Floating Trophy for their American Pale Ale.  Tuks received a bursary valued at R125 000 donated by FoodBev SETA – IBD Africa Section for students who apply studies on brewing and distilling related topics while R10 000 were divided between members of the winning team as well as R10 000 granted to their Department.  The North West University received prize money valued at R5 000 for the best label category.  The NWU was the only participants who brewed their beer without having a microbrewery installed at the university.  The main objective of the NWU’s participation was to draw attention from the SAB and FoodBev SETA – IBD Africa Section for financial support to be able to install a microbrewery which would allow us to compete at the same level.  Next year the NWU plans to bring back the Trophy to the Potchefstroom Campus with the new microbrewery

WERNICKEN (‘Liquid Enlightenment’) Real Ale
brewed by North West University Microbiology students