Becoming a barista is quite a transformative process and underpins the role that coffee is playing in our lives today. During the interviews with the barista candidates, we had the opportunity to learn more about their aspirations and influences. They shared insights about their role models in the coffee world, revealing their passion for the craft. These discussions provided valuable insights into the candidates’ dedication to the art of coffee-making and their commitment to continuous learning.
Inter Hotel Challenge, sponsored by HEINEKEN Beverages
Best of luck to the Barista Candidates of 2023!
Winners will be announced on 28th November
at the Gala Awards dinner, hosted by Southern Sun Cape Sun.
VUSUMUZI SITHOLE
54 ON BATH
I am an introvert, passionate about my work. I’m honest and open, and I know how to get my job done.
In the next five years, I would like to see myself in the front office department developing my skills and contributing my skills and knowledge as much as I can.
Mr Abongile Magodla is my role model He is a good person. He knows how to mentor. One of his stories he shared was that he started as a bar steward and through his dedication he is now our rooms division manager.
Reading How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Prince Zondo (Wine Steward) and Tshepang Mohafa (Barista) InterContinental Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo
TSHEPANG MOHAFA
INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL JOHANNESBURG O.R. TAMBO
I am passionate about my work. I am ambitious and driven. I am a people’s person and very flexible.
In the next five years, I would love to be an industry expert that others can come to for ideas, help and strategy.
Reading Finding Me by Viola Davis
Cornelius Suthse (Candidate Chef), Flora Takai (Pastry Chef), Vuyo Zuma (Barista), Letta Sebokoane, Christopher Nawe (Wine Steward)
Sun City Convention Centre
VUYO KENNETH ZUMA
SUN CITY HOTEL
A young man from Ledig who completed my Matric in 2013. I am a hard worker, driven and not afraid to face a challenge.
In the next five years, I see myself as an integral part of the company who has helped contribute to the growth and success of the organisation, and continues to learn skills and gain further knowledge.
My mother She is the person who made me who I am today and always encourages me to be the best man that I can be.
Reading Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Richard Mannafela and Boitumelo Larry Legkiati
BOITUMELO HARRY LEGKIATI
SUN CITY HOTEL
Strong and very passionate about my career. I like learning new things and eager to face challenges.
In the next five years, I want to manage my own restaurant.
Raphael Maseko, my manager is my role model. I like the way he deals with people’s situations without judging them. He always offers a helping hand.
Reading Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Mpoe Charles Maboshigo & GM Samuel Mabunda
MPOE CHARLES MABOSHIGO
IVORY MANOR BOUTIQUE HOTEL
I am a humble, calm, hard worker, always striving for perfection and learning new things to improve myself.
In the next five years, I see myself as being a role player in the coffee industry teaching up and coming baristas as well as owning a mobile coffee bar.
Ishan Natalie for shaping our coffee industry in South Africa , paving the way for up and coming baristas.
Reading Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
LUCKY MOLANE
TOADBURY HALL COUNTRY HOTEL
I am a very humble, respectful, and self-loving person. I am someone who also enjoys challenges in life because I know that by doing so, I can learn and become stronger.
In the next five years, I see myself working with one of the biggest hospitality industries in South Africa and gaining extensive knowledge about food and drinks.
Pablo Picasso inspires me because he once said, ‘Action is the key foundation to all success.’ Now, I’m going to take action.
Reading Coffee Culture: The South African Coffee–Lovers Bible by Primich, Peter; Stern, Jennifer.
The barista candidates are under the watchful eye of Caroline Ncube, Avanti Coffee
ANDILE KONTILE
LAGOON BEACH HOTEL
Communicative, detail orientated and versatile. I like to think of myself as a team player. I’m humble, also passionate and disciplined.
In the next five years, I see myself taking on more responsibilities such as training and mentoring new baristas or even being in a management role and also having grown my skills so that I can contribute excellent work and new ideas to the hotel.
Phuti Mmotla who just became the Starbucks EMEA Champion. He represented our country in the world by making a good cup of coffee.
I mostly read Red Band academy books, all about coffee.
KHUSELWA KOLWENI
THE SILO HOTEL
Friendly and very inquisitive, always eager to learn.
In the next five years, I would like to be owning a cafe and a few accommodations.
My mother Seeing how hard she works to provide the life we have is my inspiration. Her perseverance has taught me to be a go getter no one is going to hand you opportunities. Reading I love reading books by author Paulo Coelho
ANATHI MAQOQA
THE PRESIDENT HOTEL
I am talented, hard working, flexible and I learn fast. I am passionate about coffee. I think it’s what I do best.
In the next five years, I would like to see myself being the best barista in Africa in five years. I always dreamed of opening my own coffee shop.
Imile de Villiers from Ground Up Academy
Reading Learn to Earn Ground UP Academy modules
VUYOLWETHU MVITYO
MOUNT NELSON, A BELMOND HOTEL CAPE TOWN
I’m a very enthusiastic waiter who loves to upgrade my skills all the time.
In the next five years, I would like to be a restaurant manager.
My manager, Monique du Preez, because of her hard work and how much she teaches me.
Reading The Long Walk to Freedom autobiography by South Africa’s first democratically elected President Nelson Mandela
PUMLA HANISE
ARABELLA HOTEL, GOLF & SPA
I would describe myself as a fun person who loves people, talking, laughing and hard working.
In the next five years, I would love to see myself in a managerial position and grow within.
My mother is my role model. She is a woman with a lot of strength and intelligence. She is always welcoming and wants the best for everyone including strangers.
ONGEZO JACK
SOUTHERN SUN WATERFRONT
I am a bubbly charismatic person who is open minded.
In the next five years, I would like to be working at the Front Desk.
My mother She is a strong character.
Wayne Abrahams and Tarryn van der Toorn (Avanti Coffee), Siyabonga Kunene (The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa)
Lusanda Xotyeni (Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Breakwater Lodge)
Nandipha Msindeli (Southern Sun 1st Team) and Khuselwa Kolweni (The Silo Hotel)
NANDIPHA MSINDELI
SOUTHERN SUN THE WATERFRONT
Always someone who’s willing to learn and I’m curious about what is around me.
In the next five years, I see myself in leading position.
My role model is François “Faf” du Plessis is a South African professional cricketer and former captain of the South Africa national cricket team.
SIYABONGA KUNENE
THE TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL & SPA
Very polite and colourful person.
In the next five years, I see myself as a well developed business man.
Lionel Messi because of his success. The way in which he has succeeded in football.
Reading Nelson Mandela: A Life in Photographs by David Elliot Cohen
LUSANDA XOTYENI
PROTEA HOTEL BY MARRIOTT CAPE TOWN BREAKWATER LODGE
Passionate about myself and the work that I do. I take pride in providing excellent service to our guests as they are number one. I am self driven and always willing to learn.
In the next five years, I see myself owning my own coffee shop.
My mother is my role model. Being raised by a single mother and to see the struggle she went through all the years growing up and her care and advice made me to become the person I am today. I have learned a lot from her.
Reading Whitney’s Kiss by Onne Vegter
LUNGISANI THUBELIHLE MNGUNI
SOUTHERN SUN THE EDWARD
I would describe myself as an energetic, bubbly and confident individual who likes working with people.
In the next five years, I would like to own a barista training academy
My father He is a family orientated man who believe in me.
Reading Courage: Winning Life’s Toughest Battles by Edwin Louis Cole
Baristas unite; Lungisani Mnguni (Southern Sun The Edward), Malusi Ngwane (Avanti Coffee Barista Trainer), Sibusiso Shange (Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani), Lungile Ignatia Mkhize (Mentor, Beverly Hills), Paula Visser (Avanti Coffee), Tracy Colbeck (Durban ICC), Lebo Mahoko (Avanti Coffee Barista Trainer), Sfundo Mhlongo (Beverly Hills) and Samkelisiwo Fortunate Nyandu (The Oyster Box)
SIBUSISO SHANGE
SOUTHERN SUN ELANGENI & MAHARANI
I want to improve myself by starting a coffee shop that I will own.
Sifiso Mngadi, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani. He knows better about being a barista and he is the person who inspires me to being a barista.
Reading Bengithi Lizokuna by N.G. Sibiya
SFUNDO MHLONGO
THE BEVERLY HILLS
I am a hardworking and driven individual who is not afraid of a challenge. I am passionate about my work and I know how to get the job done.
In the next five years, I see myself continuing to grow in my career and take on more responsibility within the company.
My parents inspire me in my life because they have always supported and motivated me to achieve my goals.
Reading The Mind of the Leader by Rasmus Hougaard
Samkelisiwo Nyanda (The Oyster Box) and Tracy Colbecke (Durban ICC)
SAMKELISIWO FORTUNATE NYANDA
THE OYSTER BOX
I am that person who likes to learn more, who can face any challenge without having any doubt or problems.
In the next five years, I see myself owning a restaurant in one of the busiest roads in Durban. Training my staff and engaging with my guests.
I am inspired by my manager, Mr Jameel Suleman.
Reading Seeds of Hope by Sibonelo Gumede
TRACY URSULA COLBECK
DURBAN ICC
I am a very loving, caring person, and I love helping other people.
In the next five years, I see myself traveling the world and having my own coffee shop.
My mother, Beauty Roskrug, inspires me because she does not want to see another person suffering. She likes to help people with a pure heart.
Reading Nothing but the Truth by John Kani
LUTHO MPHITHI
TAJ CAPE TOWN
I am a very goal-oriented person. My sense of humor is out of this world, and last but not least, I am kind.
In the next five years, I see myself at least two steps ahead of where I am now, career-wise.
My uncle inspires me because he worked smart for everything he has. He became something out of nothing.
Reading The Subtle Art of not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
