In a country where secondary education is very difficult to attain and jobs are scarce, this initiative by Thando Coffee Company is both necessary and heartwarming. Congratulations to the dynamic duo of Khulekani and Noma Mpala for putting together this event and igniting the passion for coffee in the youth!
Congratulations to all the young baristas who bravely faced the stage!
It was all smiles and excitement for close to 100 spectators as 20 kids from 4 different schools around Gauteng met at Forest Town School to battle for the title of Schools Barista Champion 2024.
The four schools - Forest Town, Die Hamlet, Isipho Sethu and Randeor - were represented by five learners each. All the learners are part of the Thando Coffee Company Schools Barista Skills Program, the brain child of Khulekani and Nomathemba Mpala, of Thando Coffee Company.
The learners, who were understandably nervous owing to the demands of the competition stage, were ably managed backstage by Noma, who has taken up a Coffee Trainer role within Thando Coffee, and was the barista co-ordinator on the day.
The competitors, all of whom face different life challenges that have left them fighting for inclusivity in mainstream society, were judged on technical ability, hygiene, drinks knowledge, latte art, customer service, time management and overall impression. They presented the judges with an espresso shot, a cappuccino and a flat white all in 6 minutes.
Monica from Die Hamlet School held her nerve to impress the judges and take first place to be crowned the 2024 champion, while Sabelo from Isipho Sethu and Tyrelle from Randeor were 1st and 2nd runners up respectively. Lamont, Milano and Esihle all from Randeor completed the Top 6.
“This is just amazing! I think the spirit of barista competitions is so healthy and so necessary. Today every child won because we made something special and showed our learners that they’re taken seriously even in the outside world, and they can build a career from this,” said Tebogo Mokoena the chief therapist from Isipho Sethu.
This was the second year in a row that the competition has been organised, with this year being bigger and better with different sponsors like Equipment Café, Dewfresh, The Coffee Magazine, SA Coffee, Seattle Coffee, African Stories Coffee and some individuals coming in to ensure the success of the event.
