Tolokazi Beer returns home with renewed vision

The Eastern Cape relaunch of Tolokazi Beer marks a significant homecoming for founder and master brewer Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, a 42-year-old entrepreneur originally from Butterworth, who is bringing her brand back to where it all began. Following a successful activation tour across Komani, Butterworth and KuGompo City in June, Tolokazi Beer is now officially available in selected outlets across the province, including Preston’s in KuGompo City and Tops in Ibika, with more stores expected to come on board. Nxusani-Mawela’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2015 when she left formal employment to establish her brewing business.

She holds a BSc from Wits University and an honours degree in microbiology from the University of Pretoria, and is a highly qualified Master Brewer. For Nxusani-Mawela, the relaunch is deeply personal. “Umntana can grow and go anywhere in the world, but home is always home,” she said.

“There is no greater love and support than from those who saw you grow and have been there through all the steps.” She said that for years the brand maintained visibility in the Eastern Cape through events,imigidi(initiation) andimitshato(weddings), where supporters repeatedly asked when the product would be available in stores. “To finally have our product on shelves means people can access it throughout the year, not just during holidays,” she said. In 2021, Nxusani-Mawela lost her brewery during the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing her to rebuild from scratch. “The biggest challenge was starting again after losing everything, and still finding hope when everything was falling apart,” she said.