Con Amore learners brew success at inaugural schools barista competition

Learners from Con Amore School and three invited schools proved that learners with special needs are just as capable behind the coffee counter during the Inaugural Schools Barista Latte Art Throwdown, held at Con Amore School on October 23.

The event brought together learners from Con Amore School, Forest Town School, Sipho Sethu LSEN School and Ithembelihle LSEN School to compete for the title of best barista in the making.

Sixteen learners took part in the first round, with eliminations held across four rounds leading up to the final, where the top two contestants faced off for the grand prize, medal and trophy.

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According to Con Amore’s speech-language therapist and audiologist, Sima Parsot, the competition aimed to help learners test their skills and experience the fast-paced environment of a real coffee shop.

“The purpose of the competition is to have learners test their skills against their peers and to help them appreciate the nature of the industry, its pressures and high standards for service and presentation. It simulates the experience of being a barista at a busy coffee shop,” Parsot said.

The event also provided an opportunity for learners to meet potential employers, as several coffee shops, including Kempton Park’s Plato and Mugg & Bean, and restaurant owners attended to identify budding talent.

This marked the first time Con Amore participated in a barista competition. Learners received weekly training from barista Sibusiso Sibeko, owner of Da Capo Coffee, and skills teacher Angelique Jordaan.

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Sibeko, representing Da Capo Barista Academy, the Shudufhadzo Youth Foundation and the International Hospitality Institute, said the initiative is about more than coffee; it’s about purpose.

“We play a support role at special needs schools, offering vocational training to create young professional baristas. Many learners with special needs struggle to find employment, so we aim to give them purpose and meaning in life,” Sibeko explained.

In Round 1, all six of Con Amore’s participants, Junior Mowasa, Xavier Barnard, Phumudzo Mulatedzi, Junior Neboh, Katelin Warner and Tumiso Mkoko, advanced to Round 2. Neboh and Mowasa made it through to Round 3.

Mowasa impressed the judges with his latte art and coffee quality, earning a place in the final round against Sabelo Sihoyo from Sipho Sethu LSEN School.

Mowasa went on to win first place, describing the experience as life-changing.

“I was very nervous, but I focused on my goals. This was my first time competing, and I entered because I wanted to help my family. I want people to see that you can achieve anything, no matter your condition, through Christ, you can achieve it,” said Mowasa.

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Sihoyo, who finished as runner-up, said the competition was tough but rewarding.

“I’ve competed three times and came second each time since 2023. This was my last year competing, and I used it to grow and gain experience so that I can achieve my goals,” said Sihoyo.

The judges also joined in on the fun, going head-to-head in a special judges’ round.

In the first challenge, Blessing Taonezvi from Mugg & Bean competed against Themba Magwaza from Plato, with participants ruling in Magwaza’s favour.

In the second, Magwaza was challenged and defeated by Victor Yandisa Ntshitshongo from Starbucks.

After a playoff round, Junior Neboh from Con Amore placed third, and Tumelo Siluma from Sipho Sethu LSEN School took fourth.
Judge Blessing Taonezvi from Mugg & Bean Woodbridge said he was inspired by the learners’ passion and determination.

“My love for coffee encouraged me to be part of this competition. Seeing the learners being productive is amazing because they now have hopes and dreams beyond school. The final round was the toughest; both learners were exceptional,” Taonezvi said.