The annual National Barista Championship was held by Starbucks South Africa on July 20 and 21 at the store in Cape Town’s Paarden Eiland. Seven Starbucks District Champions from throughout South Africa competed against one another in this year’s competition, representing the bustling cityscape of Johannesburg, the gorgeous shores of Cape Town, and the energetic streets of Durban, among other South African regions.
Over 400 of South Africa’s best Starbucks baristas were spread out across the country, and these 7 winners had the incredible task of overcoming them. As they made their way through the difficult competition’s rounds, they put their unmatched abilities and ardor for the craft of coffee to the actual test of their craft and experience. In every enthralling pour, the audience saw astounding demonstrations of skill, ingenuity, and perfection, which left no doubt that the future of coffee in South Africa is in truly talented hands.
The event came to a close with a “leader pitch” in which they presented their plan to grow the brand, advance coffee culture, and cultivate partnerships. A prestigious group of Starbucks SA judges, including the current champion international barista, heard this presentation. Two deserving and unbeatable competitors tied for first place, so the winner was decided by a sudden-death latte art competition in which Thapelo Nkanyane of Starbucks Mimosa Mall, Bloemfontein, displayed exceptional talent and creativity to win the coveted title of National Barista Champion for 2023.
In a series of challenges, including personal favorite coffee tastings and storytelling, knowledge of ethical sourcing and general coffee facts, latte art showcases, Thapelo outperformed the six other district champions with exceptional skill, knowledge, and innovation in coffee preparation.Speaking about his win, Thapelo said, “This journey has been remarkable. Being crowned as the winner is a dream come true.”
Thapelo will compete against 43 highly experienced Starbucks baristas from around the Starbucks EMEA regions as South Africa’s representative at the EMEA Barista Championship in London in October. Due to his commitment to hard work, careful planning, and the support of his peers and mentors, Thapelo displayed confidence despite the anticipated high level of pressure.
In addition, Thapelo will receive a trip to one of Starbucks’ several roasting facilities in Amsterdam, where he can experience firsthand the company’s innovation, quality control, and ethical sourcing procedures.
“Coffee is a language that connects a guest and a barista, bringing unity to nations,” Thapelo said in response to a question about how he intends to highlight South Africa’s distinctive coffee culture and flavors.
The rich and nuanced flavors of our coffees, as well as those from other sources, are something we in South Africa take great delight in appreciating. The strain of competing at such a high level was another topic he discussed, saying, “strain will always be present, but I remind myself that with every difficulty comes a lesson, a lesson to learn from. I seek comfort in my faith in God and find my calm in the midst of the storm. The 2023 Starbucks National Barista Championship was a huge success, honoring and showcasing the talent and passion of our baristas. We wish Thapelo well as he gets ready to compete in the EMEA Barista Championship on behalf of Starbucks South Africa.