Starbucks South Africa recently celebrated the crème de la crème of its barista team, honouring the winners of this year’s Regional Barista Championships—a showcase of skill, storytelling, and a deep love for coffee.
Becoming a Starbucks barista, or “partner” as they’re known in the company, isn’t just about learning how to make coffee. It’s an immersive journey—months of training through the globally acclaimed Starbucks Global Academy, where partners gain hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of the rich culture and craftsmanship behind each cup.
“We love celebrating our partners’ commitment to excellence,” says Ishan Natalie, Coffee Excellence Lead at Rand Capital Coffee, licensee for Starbucks South Africa. “These championships give us a chance to recognise the talent, hard work, and heart they pour into their craft.”
Although the competition only came to South Africa when Starbucks launched locally in 2016, the barista championships have long been a tradition in the company. It all starts with Store Championships, where standout partners are selected to compete in District-level contests. Winners from there go on to the Regional Championships, which were held in May this year. The stakes? A chance to shine on the national stage in June—and potentially represent South Africa at the EMEA Championships in London, rubbing shoulders with fellow coffee experts from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
This year, 83 dedicated partners from 72 Starbucks stores across the country threw their hats in the ring. Competitors were judged on several fronts—from latte art and coffee quality to storytelling, where they shared the passion and purpose behind every brew.
“Our goal is to find individuals who not only meet our high standards, but who also live the Starbucks mission and bring their full selves to the craft,” says Ishan. “These events are about more than just skills—they’re about leadership, connection, and the stories we tell through coffee.”
And even those who don’t take the top prize have a chance to be recognised for their specific strengths. “Every one of our partners has something special to offer,” Ishan adds. “Their deep understanding of coffee, their dedication to creating a memorable experience for customers—these are qualities we believe deserve to be celebrated.”
From the original 33 store champions, a few remarkable names rose to the top at the Regional Championships:
- Mduduzi Mvana, shift supervisor at Starbucks Pavilion (KwaZulu-Natal)
- Thabo Gift Preya, barista at Starbucks Preller in Bloemfontein
- Nathan Bobraine, shift supervisor at Starbucks Clearwater in Johannesburg
- Kabelo Majoro, from Starbucks Irene in Pretoria
- Anathi April, Starbucks V&A Waterfront
- Yibanathi Jongihlathi, Starbucks FX Durbanville
- Siphamandla Betana, Starbucks FX Stellenbosch
In the end, three emerged as regional champions:
- Gauteng/Central: Kabelo Majoro
- Western Cape: Siphamandla Betana
- KwaZulu-Natal: Mduduzi Mvana
Each champion brings a unique perspective and passion to their craft.
“I’ve always looked for ways to sharpen my coffee skills,” says Kabelo. “Competing pushes me to do better—and whether I win or lose, that drive keeps me growing as a barista.”
Siphamandla sees his win as a platform to inspire. “This isn’t just about coffee—it’s about leadership, storytelling, and representing something bigger. I want to encourage other partners, especially from underrepresented communities, to believe in their talent and chase excellence. Winning is incredible—but the journey, the growth, that’s what matters most.”
For Mduduzi, it’s about global impact. “I want to be the best, not just here but in the coffee world. That means learning, experiencing, and using what I gain to make a difference.”
As the National Championships approach, Ishan closes with a heartfelt message:
“We’re beyond proud of all our finalists and champions. They represent the spirit of Starbucks—passionate, driven, and ready to lead. We can’t wait to see how far they’ll go.”
