Tolokazi Beer: How Apiwe Nxusani‑Mawela Crafted an African Legacy
Tolokazi Beer: How Apiwe Nxusani‑Mawela Crafted an African Legacy. In 2019, alumna of SABMiller and South Africa’s first Black female brewmaster, Apiwe Nxusani‑Mawela, launched Tolokazi, her eponymous craft beer and cider brand. Named after her clan, Tolokazi stands as a celebration of African brewing heritage, with bold recipes and a mission far beyond taste.
Seeds of Innovation: Blending Tradition and Science
Apiwe’s fascination with fermentation started young, rooted in indigenous knowledge of umqombothi, home-brewed sorghum beer. Armed with a BSc (Physics/Biochemistry) and Honours in Microbiology, she made history as the first South African to earn a diploma in clear fermented beverages.
Leveraging both science and storytelling, she used sorghum pilsner and rooibos cider to connect with African roots. This bold formula distinguished her in a world dominated by Western-style beers and reinforced the brand’s mission: to celebrate Africa, and Africa’s women.
Pandemic Pivot: Resilience in Crisis
Just months into its launch, Tolokazi faced catastrophic national alcohol bans due to COVID-19. Rather than shutter, Apiwe adapted: Brewsters Craft refocused on non-alcoholic variants, like Tolokazi hibiscus-hop alcohol-free beer.
This pivot not only kept production going, it broadened Tolokazi’s customer base, proving resilience and flexibility are indispensable in entrepreneurial journeys.
Scaling Distribution: From Market Stalls to Retail Shelves
In 2020, Tolokazi launched at Foodie’s Feast in Morning Glen Mall, its first official retail space. Soft-opening weekends built momentum, transforming curiosity into sustained demand.
From there, strategic scaling played out: distribution deals with UK’s Beer52 (2023) and listing in grocery chains across South Africa followed, a testament to disciplined marketing and quality.
Recognition & Legacy: Awards, Accreditation, and Awards
Tolokazi’s accolades testify to its craft excellence:
- Platinum Crushie for top packaging design (Craft Beer Marketing Awards 2022)
- African Speciality Beer Gold at African Beer Cup 2025 for “Wild African Soul” collaboration
Apiwe herself extends her impact via governance, chairing the Institute of Brewing & Distilling (Africa) and advocating for women brewers and pro-brewing education.
Growth Strategies That Defined Tolokazi
- Rooted in Culture, Enhanced by Science
Indigenous sorghum, rooibos, hibiscus, African Queen hops, not gimmicks. Tolokazi’s authenticity combined with brewing excellence created real differentiation. - Use Crisis to Reimagine Product Range
During lockdown, the brand launched non-alcoholic brews, expanding reach and building consumer trust. - Build Community via Visibility
Social platforms amplified Tolokazi’s message beyond borders, resulting in international deals and media interest. - Strategic Retail Launches
Starting with niche spaces like Foodie’s Feast allowed Tolokazi to refine customer experience before targeting wider retail distribution. - Institutional Credibility
Awards and leadership roles underpin Tolokazi’s position as a craft pioneer, enhancing trust and industry standing.
The Future: A Legacy of Excellence
Tolokazi’s future includes ambitious goals: deeper global distribution, more indigenous ingredient lines, and continued leadership in women-led breweries. Apiwe Nxusani‑Mawela’s journey, from combining science with heritage, pivoting under pressure, to building recognition and partnerships, is a masterclass in resilient entrepreneurship. Her story inspires any founder aiming to build brands that are not only profitable, but also culturally rooted and meaningful.
