mash is filtered through a large metal strainer, to remove the spent grains. The sediment at the bottom of the vat is known as intshela. The intshela is added to the strained beer, to give extra flavour. The spent grains are squeezed out and are usually cast onto the ground for chickens. The brewer of the beer traditionally gives thanks to the ancestors while casting the corn. Once the beer has been strained, it is poured into a large communal drum known as a gogogo. It is ready for sharing with friends and family. When guests arrive at the brewer's home to taste the beer and join in the celebration, they traditionally bring a bottle of brandy, as a symbol of gratitude. Traditional uses Umqombothi is used to celebrate the home-coming of young men known as abakwetha in Xhosa culture, after ulwaluko - initiation and religious male circumcision. This beer plays a very important role when someone contacts their ancestors, the amadlozi, and plays a central role in the social context and so is often used during customary weddings, funerals, and imbizos (traditional meetings). Health concerns A recent study found sorghum and maize used as ingredients in umqombothi often are contaminated by mycotoxin-producing molds Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp. and Mucor spp. Although the finished beer is not contaminated with the fungi, 33% of commercially brewed sorghum beer contained aflatoxins and 45% of home-brewed beers contained zearalenone or ochratoxin A (or both) in the final product. The Eastern Cape province of South Africa has a very high incidence of esophageal cancer. Research by the South African Medical Research Council suggests mycotoxins in homegrown maize are linked to the high incidence of this cancer. In popular culture It is referred to in the song of the same name sung by Yvonne Chaka Chaka. The lyrics of the song call it a "magic African beer." The song is heard in the opening of Hotel Rwanda. See also Burukutu, Chibuku and Munkoyo or 'Ibwatu' in Zambia. References African drinks South African cuisine Fermented drinks Beer in Africa Beer in South Africa Types of beer Maize-based drinks