Award-winning barista opens his own coffee shop

Khulekani Mpala’s journey in the coffee industry began in 2008 when he first trained and worked as a barista. Twelve years later, he runs his own coffee shop located at The Clubhouse Shopping Centre on Malibongwe Drive, which opened at the end of September.

Mpala worked as a security guard before he was retrenched. Shortly afterwards, he began a job where he washed dishes at a restaurant. This was when he was exposed to the coffee industry and why he subsequently became a barista. At 47, Mpala has worked his way up until he most recently held the position of the national head trainer at Wiesenhof before being retrenched during the lockdown.

Mpala was the go-to guy to train baristas who were welcomed into the Wiesenhof stable. This was after he worked for Tribeca Coffee Company– first as a barista and then later as head of beverage in Gauteng. After the onslaught of Covid-19 resulted in reduced visitation hours in hospitals as a precautionary measure, Mpala was retrenched by the company which has a large presence in hospitals.

The coffee connoisseur’s awards and nominations include:

• Gauteng Barista Champion 2016
• National Best Technical Barista 2017, 2018 and last year
• Coffee Magazine Barista Trainer of the Year Nominee 2018 and this year
• Coffee Magazine Coffee Personality of the year Nominee last year

Mpala’s love for coffee and inspiration from mentors he kept in contact with helped him to continue with what he loves, despite the lack of pay.

“I am blessed because I get to do what I do every day and the money is a bonus,” considered Mpala.

For hopefuls eager to explore the world of coffee, Mpala encouraged them to fall in love with coffee, spend time making real coffee, gain experience and attend expos.

Details: thandocoffeeco@gmail.com; Facebook Page Thando Coffee Company; Instagram @ThandoCoffeeCompany; telephone
078 570 3402.

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