First ever locally-developed barista training academy launches in Newtown

Joburg’s coffee scene is filled with budding and charismatic baristas brewing amazing cups of coffee for everyone to enjoy, however, it has been reported that South Africa is short of well-trained baristas.

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The Daily Buzz, which operates 12 coffee bars in corporate locations across Gauteng and an in-house coffee roastery, Craft Coffee, launched the very first locally developed and Seta accredited barista training academy in Newtown on 11 July.

Andrew Brown, The Daily Buzz CEO, said the academy will open its doors for young people looking for good careers both overseas and locally and pave the way for further hospitality studies.

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“Every new coffee bar needs at least five new baristas.  We want to improve the quality of baristas and employ more young people,” said Brown.

Craft Coffee head and 2013 South African and All Africa Barista champion, Lovejoy Chirambasukwa said trainees will benefit from both theoretical and technical training, learning everything from how to operate a grinder, tasting coffee and distinguishing between various flavours, blends and aromas.

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Brown is confident that there is a massive, growing market for coffee in South Africa.

“A love for coffee is stirring which is why we have to keep turning out better baristas to serve up the very best cuppa.  To spread the love for coffee, we have also recently relaunched our roastery tours in Newtown,” Brown said.