The SCASA Board of Directors 2025/2026 took the decision to run short format regionals for the Barista Championships. Seven minutes, four drinks to two sensory judges. This pared down format is a great way to encourage baristas to compete for the first time and in KZN this was clearly evident, as most of the field were first timers! A victory for the format. In the Ciro Beverage Solutions offices in Umhlanga, it was a very cosy and focused with no other distractions, so it was great to see the camaraderie between the teams.
According to the number of competitors, three baristas from KZN automatically qualify for the next round. Congratulations to them!
Champion: Luhle Mnyandu, Bluebird Coffee Roastery
Runner Up: Kgune Dlamini, Now Coffee
Third Place: Sphiwe Mthethwa, Now Coffee (1st time competitor!)
Well done to the Top 6! They are still in the running, as the final places for Nationals will be determined on points across the regions (Pictured on the left). Shout out to Now Coffee, who entered 4 baristas and all 4 made it into the Top 6!
Bluebird Coffee Roasters retained the KZN Champion title and also started to shape the next generation with Lelo making it into the Top 6 too. Proudly supported by last year's Champ, Fanie Botes (team pictured below left). Shout out to the Humble Hunnies for bringing their feminine energy into the space, much needed!
Thank you to all the volunteers which include the Judges and to the Sponsors, for making this event possible. Next week, they all head to Cape Town for the final regionals. Good luck to everyone!
