The annual #BeerAndCheese initiative, organised by the School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering at the North-West University (NWU), sparks creativity and entrepreneurial skills among students.

The project, which had been put on hold since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, made a historic return this year. School director Nthabiseng Leokaoke says she is excited about the project's return.

“I was completely and utterly impressed with the products the students had on their tables; it was beautifully done . The students went above and beyond  what was asked from them. They took their work beyond the laboratory, producing, branding and marketing their own products for the campus experience.”

The #BeerAndCheese project is part of the fourth-year biotechnology module that is designed to develop the student’s technical skills and teach them about marketing and promoting their products.

Students had to produce a wide variety of cheeses and beers under the supervision of a technical team that assisted them in the manufacturing of these products. The project also offered students the opportunity to explore new mixtures and to play around with different flavours to produce their unique and ideal products.

Prizes were awarded for the Best Labelling, Best cheese, Best Beer and the People’s Choice. It included prize money of up to R2 500 and in-store coupons at particular stores.

Group 7, consisting of Anisa Malik, Mpumelelo Nhlapho, Sello Leotlela, and Zandy Mthaketh, walked away with the Best Label award for their Indian pale ale, an African Craft Brews beer. The team added gooseberries and stone fruits to their beer, creating a light ale with a hint of bitterness.

Aldin Bothma, Franz Hovener, Reynard van der Berg and Pride Mujura from Group 6 were recognised for their inventive cheese creations with the Best Cheese award. They made feta cheese from goat’s milk, focusing on sensory observations and comparing it with products from the market.

Displaying their appetite for victory, group 5 claimed bragging rights as they walked away with the Best Beer and People’s Choice award. Natasha Venter, Dillen Scheepers, Richelle van Kaam and Milan du Toit presented their beer, labelled Trojan, which have a slight spicy, yet unique sweet and fruity taste.

 A special word of appreciation goes to Sanlam, SPAR Vyfhoek, Julia’s Restaurant and deMILKo for their support and sponsoring the prizes.

And the winners are… Representing group 5 are from left Richelle van Kaam with the Best Beer award, Milan du Toit with their award-winning Trojan beer, and Natasha Venter with the People’s Choice award

Group 7 was ecstatic to win the Best Label honor

The members of Group 6, who walked away with the Best Cheese award, showcase their products during the #BeerAndCheese event.

All the different beers that the bright engineering students produced.