Capsicum Culinary Studios in Cape Town and Johannesburg, along with CTIA – Chefs Training & Innovation Academy in Durban, were excellent venues for our 2024 Inter-Hotel Challenge Barista Workshops with Avanti Coffee Company in September, leading up to the national Cook-Offs & Service Presentations in October. These workshops emphasized the importance of hands-on skills training in crafting quality coffee, a beloved beverage that enhances the hospitality experience. Aspiring waiters can elevate their careers by becoming skilled baristas, much like mastering the art of good bread.
AMY-LEE GREY
TAJ CAPE TOWN
My passion for hospitality was sparked by my love of travel. I enjoy learning about different cultures. My long-term goal is to develop expertise in hospitality and work my way up to own my restaurant. I plan on enrolling in a Bachelor of Hospitality to improve my knowledge.
Reading: The Power of the Subconscious Mind by Dr Joseph Murphy
SIPHOSETHU NGXALAMBISO
THE TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL & SPA
I wasn’t looking for a job specifically in hospitality, but once I entered this world, I became more involved and realised what it could become. I particularly like the way you meet so many interesting people, and you learn from them along the way. I particularly want to work on my cocktail-making skills. In the meantime, I actively visit as many coffee shops as I can so that I can learn from them.
“I judge a restaurant by the bread and by the coffee.” – Burt Lancaster
FARAI DUBE
CENTURY CITY CONFERENCE CENTRE & HOTELS
I fell into the industry by chance when I went to observe a friend who was a Barista. The owner of the coffee shop noticed how interested I was and offered to train me up. That was when I fell in love with coffee making and the whole idea of becoming a professional Barista. I spend a lot of time watching YouTube tutorials to learn different techniques. One day I want to pay it forward by owning my own coffee shop and training up youngsters to become future Baristas.
GHAIRIA SMITH
SOUTHERN SUN CAPE SUN
Originally I studied Hospitality & Catering Services, thinking I wanted to become a chef. When I eventually entered the industry for my in-service training, I fell in love with the Food & Beverage department and that was it for me! Long-term I would like to become a full-time lecturer for the hospitality industry. I am aiming to work for the best universities as a lecturer but I also aim to own my own business one day. My approach to life is to take every opportunity that comes my way and make it work.
IVAN LANGE
SOUTHERN SUN THE CULLINAN
I love being a Barista as I thoroughly enjoy meeting people from different countries with different cultures. It was my enjoyment of interacting with people that prompted me to join the industry. I have long-term plans to work hard and eventually grow into a management role. Ultimately I see myself as becoming a Food & Beverage Manager one day. I focus on developing myself all the time with short courses and as much training as I can do.
Reading: Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay – he is my role model
“Adventure in life is good; consistency in coffee even better.” – Justina Chen
SISEKO GIDI
THE VINEYARD HOTEL
I entered the industry as a Barista as I love working and connecting with people. I feel particularly privileged to have been given the opportunity of working behind a bar because that was where my love affair with the hospitality industry began. Now I am aiming to work in different countries. I am particularly interested in the roasting of coffee and I would like to do my own roasting one day. I am learning as much as I can about the whole coffee industry from farmers to the consumer market.
MZWANELE DYANTI
MOUNT NELSON, A BELMOND HOTEL, CAPE TOWN
My first contact with the hospitality industry was through the Amy Foundation. I found myself loving the interaction I had with international guests. It set me on this path into the hospitality industry. Career-wise, I see myself as becoming a Bar Manager. One day I would like to be in a position to give young people opportunities and jobs in the industry, in the same way that the Amy Foundation helped me. My role model is our hotel Barista Jeighman Zarira. As part of my upskilled journey, I like to spend as much time as I can with him so that I can learn everything I possibly can. I am always learning new things by watching coffee techniques on YouTube.
ANELE SMAYILE
THE SILO HOTEL
I have a great love for the art of making coffee. Part of the attraction for me is also the idea of engaging with people. From an early age, my role model in life was my mom. She inspired me as she is a single parent and is the breadwinner for a big family. My goals include becoming the best Barista in the world, and along the way, I see myself winning many competitions. I would like to be seen as an example to the youngsters in my community and inspire them to also enter the coffee industry. Right now I am focused on doing daily training and practising on the job… until I win!
“I never laugh until I’ve had my coffee.” – Clark Gable
LAETITIA DE BRUIN
ZEVENWACHT WINE ESTATE, HOTEL & RESTAURANT
It’s always been a dream of mine to work in the hospitality industry, a dream that started long ago. Growing up, one of the things that inspired me toward this career path was watching our neighbours come by, and the very first thing my mother would do was offer them a cup of coffee. I’d spend hours watching them bond over that simple, comforting ritual.
To develop and enhance my skills in this industry, I attend workshops, watch YouTube videos, and cater to my customers’ needs and desires.
Reading: Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa TerKeurst
“Behind every successful woman is a substantial amount of coffee.” – Stephanie Piro
XOLELWA MONICA MAVUMENGWANA
QUEEN VICTORIA HOTEL & MANOR HOUSE WATERFRONT
I’m passionate about coffee and food, which is why the hospitality industry suits me well. I also appreciate how the industry encourages you to put yourself out there. Gordon Ramsay is my role model, and my long-term goal is to own my own coffee shop. I am introducing flavoured coffees at Queen Victoria and stay up to date with new trends.
SIBONGILE BANGO
THE PRESIDENT HOTEL
I am driven by a sense of passion for what I do. One of the aspects of my job lies in the enjoyment of the different kinds of people I have to deal with. This journey has taught me respect and integrity for others, and also to have a sense of responsibility. My role model is Mr Dube. Long-term, I want to stay in this industry and become a professional Barista.
SONGEZO MABOZA
THE LAGOON BEACH HOTEL
I love the fact that you have to know your different ingredients and products to do your job well, and this was part of the thinking that called me into the hospitality industry. I find it very satisfying to create something from scratch. Part of my upskilling journey is to focus on understanding all the different angles that make for good guest experiences.
“Behind every great day is a cup of coffee made by a barista who cares.” – Unknown
AVIWE SIDIYA
THE OYSTER COLLECTION
I love serving people. From the beginning I wanted to be involved in one of South Africa’s “big” industries and hospitality was a good fit. Through this career, I can combine work with my passion for connecting with people. One of my role models is Chef Reuben Riffel. We both grew up in the same town of Groendal, and now he is a well-known restaurant owner. When I see how successful he has become, it inspires me to do the same. Ultimately, I would like to own my own café in Franschhoek, serving very good coffee and pastries. I see this competition as one of the ways I can get my name out there and interact with a larger network, in order to make my goals happen. To broaden my skills, I have just completed a sommelier course as well as Barista training.
“Coffee is a language in itself.” – Jackie Chan
TIMOTHY RAKGWATLA
INTERCONTINENTAL JHB O.R. TAMBO
My long term goal is to own a cocktail bar at my home village or somewhere closeby. The person who inspired me the most is my manager at ORT. I’m constantly looking out to perform well and I am following the rules of the competition so I don’t misstep during The Challenge of the Day.
Reading: ‘Don’t quit your job yet’ by Wisdom Mkoto
“Science may never come up with a better office communication system than the coffee break.” – Earl Wilson
SIMPHIWE MTSHALI
54 ON BATH
My long term goal is to open my own café. Host pop ups to showcase different kinds of coffees and pastries. What inspired me is watching MasterChef Australia, but what I remember is my grandmother especially when it comes to baking. I am practising my craft and doing a lot of research in order to take my dream further.
Reading: ‘Steps to Christ‘ by Ellen G. White Writings
THOMAS MAMEKWA
IVORY MANOR BOUTIQUE HOTEL
The hospitality industry has made me the person I am today. It’s taught me the importance of treating people with care, understanding their needs, and ensuring that everyone feels valued. Through the act of serving others, I’ve learned the true meaning of happiness—it’s not just about creating joyful experiences for guests, but also about the fulfillment that comes from sharing, caring, and making a positive impact on people’s lives. Hospitality taught me responsibility and shaped who I am.
TSHEGOFATSO RAMMUTLA
SUN CITY CONVENTION CENTRE HOTEL
I’m inspired to work in the industry because I have great patience and a love for people. My role models are my mother and grandmother. My long-term goal is to own my own restaurant. I want to keep learning and believe in putting in the effort to grow.
“A skilled barista knows that coffee is more than a drink; it’s an experience.” – Unknown
MBALI MKHIZE
DURBAN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE
I take my career in the hospitality industry seriously and feel it is a path that will lead me to become a better person, not just in my work but personally too. Looking ahead, I would like to advance into a position of management. One day I see myself working closely with the company’s clientèle and overseeing major projects.
STHEMBILE MAPHUMULO
SOUTHERN SUN ELANGENI & MAHARANI
I really enjoy working in an organisation that is dynamic and fast-paced. There is plenty of opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. I have great interpersonal skills so it is a good base for me to do my job well. One day, I aspire to become a Food & Beverage Manager and for that, I need to cultivate excellent leadership skills.
Reading: “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J Maas
“Coffee connects us in so many ways – to each other, to our senses, and to the earth that supports the coffee trees.” – Rohan Marley
CORNWELL NDLOVU
OYSTER BOX HOTEL
What inspired me to enter the hospitality industry is my fascination with the art of crafting drinks. I am particularly interested in working with “old school” basics and then adding my own flair. My role model is Mwami, who has taught me to enjoy my role behind the bar. One day I see myself owning a coffee bar and coffee shop.
Reading: “The Secret History of the Word” by Jonathan Black
“Baristas are artists, and coffee is their canvas.” – Unknown
SANDISO MABELE
SOUTHERN SUN THE EDWARD
I studied hospitality when I was in high school, and it left me with an urge to make it my career path. I have a particular love of coffee and I enjoy expanding my knowledge about coffee while showcasing the skills I have already learned. My big goal is to work on a cruise ship one day. In the meantime, I want to keep training and learn from the best to become even more professional.
Reading: “The Art of Hustling” by DJ Sbu
LUNGILE MKHIZE
BEVERLY HILLS
The hospitality industry relies on visionary leadership to drive growth, innovation, and success. It offers opportunities to explore, access information, and gain knowledge both nationally and internationally. My role model is my mother. She used to cater for various events and would take me along to assist in preparing meals. My long-term goal is to own an academy where I can provide training for baristas, specialising in coffee. I regularly watch international barista videos on YouTube to gain more knowledge about coffee.
As a proud partner, Avanti Coffee Company has been a trusted name in the South African coffee industry since 1987. From humble beginnings, it has grown into a leader in delivering comprehensive coffee solutions that cater to the diverse needs of businesses across the country. With a commitment to quality and service, Avanti sources the finest beans and crafts expertly blended coffees that inspire and elevate.
Central to Avanti’s success is its dedication to customers. More than just a supplier, the company acts as a true partner in its clients’ growth, offering tailored beverage solutions, continuous support, and expert guidance. Avanti strives to nurture lasting relationships built on trust and shared values, making it a place where quality, ambition, and passion come together.
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INTER-HOTEL CHALLENGE ~ SOUTH AFRICA 2024
SHOWCOOK ~ IGNITING CAREERS IN HOSPITALITY & TOURISM
#InterHotelChallenge2024 | #Showcook
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