By Nicola Reyneke
The Maties Beer Appreciation Society (MBAS) has been bringing students with a shared love for beer together since around 2017, hosting weekly tastings every Tuesday. The society introduces members to a variety of beer styles and brews, all while creating a fun environment for students to socialise.
Although the society has existed for several years, it has only recently been regaining its footing after taking a hit in membership during the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is more like the come-up season for the beer society,” said Tian Groenewald, member of the society’s executive team and Master’s student in Electronic Engineering. Groenewald added that the society has recently seen growth largely driven by word of mouth among students.
The society offers a variety of activities throughout the year, such as hosting a beer pong league with matches once per term and a prize-giving ceremony at the end of the year. In addition, the society aims to organise brewery tours and hopes to introduce brewing classes where members can learn more about the craft of making beer. “We don’t just drink beer – we appreciate all aspects of it, from how it’s made to the ingredients,” said Kyle Venter, chairperson of the MBAS and a fifth-year BEng (Mechatronic Engineering) student.
As the society continues to grow, they hope more students will discover the variety that beer has to offer. “Some people come in thinking they don’t like beer, but then they try something completely different and realise how varied it can be,” said Chara-Sherie Geyer, treasurer of the MBAS. For the MBAS, beer isn’t just a drink; it’s something that should be explored and appreciated.
