A woman was regarded 'incomplete' without brewing skills

For one to be considered a woman in the old days, she also had to have the know-how to brew bojalwa jwa Setswana (traditional beer). Only a few women from that generation with the proper skill to brew can now be found - and Polena Tshukudu is one of them. Now at the age of 87, Tshukudu holds the reputation around Goora Bobi ward in Gabane of a legend when it comes to brewing.

In an interview with Mmegi, the rather shy Tshukudu stated that she still gets called once in a while, especially at family occasions, to come and give brewing tips to young and inexperienced brewers. She mentioned that she became a brew master because she learnt from the best, her mother and then later her mother-in-law after she got married.Tshukudu, with some 72 years brewing experience, said, "I have been brewing bojalwa ba Setswana for almost all my life because I was born into the culture. I got the skill from my mother who passed it on to me.She, too, was a master at her trade and I doubt I could ever match her though I am good."