2026 SA Barista Champs Nationals Finalists
Meet the 14 2026 finalists competing for the title of South African Barista Champion in August!
Munashe Gumbo - Father Coffee
Munashe Gumbo, known as Uncle Nash, is the Associate Head of Coffee at Father Coffee, renowned for delivering luxurious specialty coffee experiences. Crowned 1st Place Gauteng Barista Champion in 2025 and 2nd Place in 2026, he is recognized for exceptional craftsmanship, coffee education, and driving innovation that continues to shape the specialty coffee industry.
Xander Venter - Robin Chat Coffee
Wild at heart, passionate about people and I would rather be hunting right now, and any other time.. Married to the best woman on earth and father to two incredible boys. I love sport, being competitive and putting myself under pressure. Always watching birds. Coffee came to me as a hobby and replaced full-time cricket. Best move ever. Coffee is my gateway to people, and that’s my favourite part about it, it’s more than just a cup, it’s about purpose-filled relationships.
Luke Letts - Independent
Born and raised in Durban, I dropped out of university at 20 to pursue a career in specialty coffee. Almost five years later, I’ve done a few things that I never could’ve imagined. I’ve worked in different parts of the industry but the one thing that’s remained a constant is competition.
I currently work behind bar and in the roastery of one of the best cafes and roasters in Europe. With a focus on some of the best and rarest coffees in the world while delivering exceptional customer service. I believe that your next coffee can always be better than the last!
Keilen Cornellisson - Pulse 99 Coffee
My name is Keilen Cornellisson and I don’t think I found coffee, I think coffee found me. It gave me a passion and a purpose that I feel incredibly fortunate to live everyday. The craft continues to fascinate me, challenge me and keep me learning. But more than the coffee itself, I love the people it brings together. The conversations, the curiosity and the chance to share something meaningful is what makes being a barista so fulfilling.
Siphosethu Luningo - Truth Coffee
My name is Siphosethu Luningo most call me Sipho. I am in Sales and a Representative at Truth Coffee Roasting. I am a barista, coffee roaster and quality control specialist. I love coffee competitions because they keep the fire of loving and willingness to learn more in coffee alive. I love challenge that’s why I am competing. I believe I am a world Barista Champion.
Luhle Mnyandu - Bluebird Coffee Roastery
Football enthusiast, lover of flavours and food with a passion for everything coffee - that is Luhle Mnyandu. A 23 year old from Durban, Luhle has made a career in coffee where he started of as a Barista at Velvet Coffee and for the past 5 years at Bluebird Coffee Roastery as the Wholesale manager. Luhle is the reigning KZN Barista champion and he has his eyes on the coveted title of National champ as he competes in this year’s competition.
Hee Ye Kim - Cedar Coffee Roasters
My name is Hee Ye and my coffee journey started almost four years ago at a local coffee shop in Jeffrey’s Bay. I’m currently a barista for Cedar Coffee Roasters based in Woodstock, Cape Town. For me, the competition stage is where my curiosity and creativity come together, allowing me to explore coffee in new ways and share those discoveries with others. This will be my second time competing at Nationals.
Siphiwe Mthethwa - Now Coffee
Hi,my name is Siphiwe Mthethwa also known as “Sips”, I'm a barista from the KZN driven by curiosity, discipline, and a commitment to continuous growth.I believes meaningful progress comes from intentional action, consistent effort, and a willingness to learn every day. Passionate about craftsmanship and genuine human connection,I strives to create experiences that leave a lasting impact. Whether learning, teaching, or serving coffee,I approache every opportunity with purpose, always seeking to improve myself while inspiring others to pursue excellence through intentional living and mostly through coffee.
Neo Mothoa - Father Coffee
My name is Neo Vincent Mothoa Aka Neorista born 1996 on 14th of April bread and buttered in the capital township of Johannesburg Soweto were I find most of my inspiration raised by five phenomenal women. Haven grown in Soweto filled with diversity in culture, fashion, social dynamics and languages. One can not help but to adapt and learn. Which taught me a lot about this life thing specially when comes to humanity humbles and respect. Grew up as a very proactive kid you could say i was a very much extroverted kid played sports loved dancing.
Then 22 years later ; coffee found me and that's how got my nickname.
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James Odendaal - Culture Coffee
I’m James Odendaal, Head Barista at Culture Coffee Roasters in Pretoria. I believe coffee is incredible conduit to connect with. Every cup tells a story, and I’m passionate about creating meaningful experiences through hospitality, education, and genuine connection. Above all, I also belief that everything we have is a gift from God and to live a life to express the beauty of God’s creation, and make Him visible through our craft and skill. This is His story to write, and have the privilege to express it through coffee.
Christiaan Jacobs - Ciro FSBC
Got into coffee to live out my love of serving people. Pursued growth in coffee to create a cup so good you get lost in it. Competing has been my way of pursuing the perfect cup of coffee.
