The Unisa Alumni Relations Office, in association with Brandhouse Beverages (Pty) Ltd – one of South Africa’s leading beverage makers – held a beer tasting event at Emperors Palace on Friday 24 August 2012.
Mr David Farirai, Director of the Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations Directorate, welcomed the guests to the function. He mentioned that Unisa has many alumni represented in every sector of society. “The university has thus an inspiring presence within South Africa and globally which is something that the university will in the near future be exploring in partnership options with other universities within the rest of the continent.”
Alumni of the Ekurhuleni Chapter wanted to know more about the beer and most certainly wanted to taste it. And as is tradition, bottles of Guinness – served ice cold – were layered on each table for the guests’ enjoyment.
According to Mr Mark Gounden, a representative of Guinness Original, Guinness’s mother company is Brandhouse. Guinness’s website (www.guiness.com) states that this very famous Irish brand is barley roasted and is produced especially for the South African market. Known for its crispness, bold taste, distinctive colour and aroma, it was launched in South Africa in 2011.
Gounden provided alumni with background information on Guinness, including its service to society. Guinness has identified a number of social challenges within communities which it will address through the Arthur Guinness Fund – they are especially working on the housing challenge through the Ikhayalami project for the poor.
In celebrating Arthur Guinness, the founder of Guinness Original, the world celebrated Arthur’s Day on 27 and 28 September. This was showcased in a DVD about the Guinness Journey.
In his closing remarks, Mr Frankie Mojapelo, Deputy Director of the Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations Directorate, thanked alumni for attending the event and encouraged them to continue enjoying themselves with Guinness.
 Representative of Guiness, Mr Chris Roos and Mr Mark Gounden at the beer tasting event |
 Mr David Farirai, Director of the Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations |
