“Sho! Sho! Sho! Mqombothi!”—the familiar refrain from Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s timeless
song echoed through the hearts of many as Hammanskraal welcomed a gathering
rooted in tradition, pride and remembrance.
The word of the day was, a name Sxo
affectionately used by communities to refer to the beverage widely known as
uMqombothi. For generations, this drink has carried stories, memories, and identity. On
this day, it carried revival
A collective of cultural preservers arrived in Hammanskraal with a mission: to restore
honour to a tradition passed down by the ancestors—millet and sorghum brewing.
These grains were once staples of African life, not merely as food but as spiritual and
communal tools.
The Heart of Sxo: The Ingredients
Sorghum, called Mabele in the northern regions of South Africa, stood proudly at the
centre of the discussions.
The making of Mqombothi is simple yet meaningful, using:
- Maize (corn) meal
- Sorghum malt (umthinsi / amabele)
- Unmalted sorghum flour for texture
- Yeast (or an ancestral starter)
- Water
These ingredients transform into a warm, thick, slightly sour brew that holds cultural
weight far deeper than taste.
More Than a Drink — A Ceremony, A Connection
Traditionally, Sxo flowed during weddings, initiations, harvest celebrations, and
homecomings. It was shared in laughter, in song, and in silence when calling upon
ancestors.
It brought . uncles, aunts, families, and clans together, strengthening unity
Yet, in modern times, Mqombothi has become commercialized, packaged and sold
widely.
The financial benefits rarely return to the communities who hold the original
knowledge of preparing it. Still, there are those determined to keep the spirit, the taste,
and the meaning intact.
The Gathering
The event took place at Temba Stadium Hall and opened with a dignified welcome from
a member of the local Royal House.
Attendees included cultural groups, researchers, enthusiasts, and people from across Gauteng who share a passion for heritage revival.
Speakers addressed:
- The of sorghum historical importance
- The of Sxo in ancestral communication spiritual significance
- The and how communities can reclaim bene economy of heritage fit
A University of Johannesburg representative presented an insightful lecture on grain
preservation and sustainable brewing practices.
A respected community elder spoke on the role of Sxo in rituals meant to, a moment that call and honour the departed moved many in attendance.
The Hosts and Future Plans
The event was jointly hosted by and, both Brewsters Academy Hamitown Journal
committed to preserving and advancing African brewing traditions.
Brewsters Academy announced its intention to host brewing competitions in Hammanskraal, creating opportunities for local knowledge holders and new brewers alike.
The gathering concluded with a humble but heartfelt shared lunch — a fitting reminder
that food, drink and memory are best honoured together.
Sxo lives on.
Not just in the cup, but in the call of the drum, the warmth of community, and the pride of remembering .