Join the excitement at this weekend's Barista Battle final round
Contestants battling it out in this weekend's competition in the back from left, are Vuyo Stemela, Jodene Philander, Jetino Adriaanse, Taurai Mushanyuki, Piety Bhebhe, Teboho Mokone. In the front from left, are, Lisakhanya Nkcazelo, Akhona J Dyantyi and Rudy Joubert.
Image: Supplied
CoffeeMM Academy hosted the preliminary round of the third annual CoffeeMM Barista Battle this past week, with baristas from across the Western Cape vying for a spot in the main event, which takes place this Saturday, 26 July.
Launched in 2023, the CoffeeMM Barista Battle has become an annual platform for emerging coffee professionals to showcase their skills.
Founder and CEO of CoffeeMM, Mhlengi Ngcobo, said: “We are so proud of the opportunity that CoffeeMM Academy has been able to create over the last three years by giving young people wanting to build a career in the coffee industry a chance to do so by offering them the skills through our barista and coffee roasting courses.
“We are extremely proud and excited about the work that we've done, and we hope other companies can do the same so that we can make a difference in the unemployment sector.”
This year’s preliminary round, themed Grind, Brew, and Conquer, tested competitors on precision, creativity, and speed in producing a quality cup of coffee. Winners from this round will now go on to compete in Saturday’s main event.
Event organiser Austain Zhanota of CoffeeMM Academy said: “Over the past three years, our CoffeeMM Barista Battle has evolved into a celebrated event, showcasing the best of Cape Town's coffee talent and creativity.”
He added: “With each passing year, the competition has intensified, pushing local baristas to new heights of innovation and excellence, and cementing its place as a highlight of the city's vibrant coffee scene.”
The final round, titled the Ultimate Caffeine Showdown, will include latte art duels, signature drink challenges, speed brewing rounds, and a test of coffee knowledge. The competition will be held in front of a live audience at the Co-Create Hub in Stellenbosch.
Three winners will be named on the day: The CoffeeMM Academy Best Barista 2025, The CoffeeMM Academy Coffee Connoisseur 2025, and The CoffeeMM Best Latte Art 2025..
Tickets for Saturday’s event cost R50 and can be purchased online at https://coffeemm.co.za.
Founder and CEO, of CoffeeMM in Stellenbosch, Mhlengi Ngcobo.
Image: Lizelle Lötter Photography