Fiks placed an impressive second at the 2019 KZN Region Coffee Competition
‘Fiks’ Khuzwayo exuded confidence as she poured her heart and love into each cup she prepared at the 2019 KZN Region Coffee Competition. Photo: MRP Foundation/ Pierre Tostee
Princess ‘Fiks’ Khuzwayo’s love affair with coffee started years ago when she first waitressed at a coffee shop in La Lucia, Durban. Her passion for people combined with her love for the aroma of fine coffee perked her interest in brewing coffee, not just serving it.
Today, the creme on every cup of coffee she pours, is her pride and joy, and Fiks can now proudly pat herself on the back for being one of KZN’s top three baristas along with being the top female barista in the province.
This past weekend, MRP Foundation’s resident barista placed an impressive second at the 2019 KZN Region Coffee Competition hosted by the Speciality Coffee Association of South Africa’s (SCASA). Her achievement means that she qualifies for the National Coffee Competition in March 2020. Under the tutelage of former Coffee Champion, Craig Charity, she placed 11th at the National Barista Championships in 2017.
Fiks attributes her accomplishments to the support she receives from her customers, friends and family, saying that her win was a team effort. “This is such a wonderful achievement for me. It feels like the start of a new year and a new me,” she shared proudly after the announcement of her win. She added that she worked really hard in preparation for the competition, with little sleep. “I am looking forward to the national competition. I will push myself to do my very best!”
Fiks pours her heart and love into every cup she prepares, especially Foundation Coffee, which is ethically sourced, and 100% of the proceeds are channelled into MRP Foundation’s education and skills development programmes. Fiks’ connection to Foundation Coffee is clearly evident as she shares the NGO’s vision to break the cycle of poverty and inequality in South Africa.
Melanie Winter, Editor of Coffee Magazine wrote in the Winter 2019 issue, “It is still rare to find a female or black-owned coffee business, still rare to find a female barista competitor.”
African Roots Coffee shop owner Christine Platt, who was present at the barista competition praised Fiks, saying “Fiks was confident, poised and charming in her presentation.” She has been a mentor to Fiks. “Ever since I entered the coffee industry, she and her husband have been a source of motivation and encouragement for me,” says Fiks.
Foundation Coffee is ethically sourced and sustainably farmed and purchased; there is a line of sight from the coffee farmer to the end product. Craig Charity, former SA Barista Champ and Lineage Coffee owner selects and locally roasts the beans in small batches, with all proceeds generated, going to MRP Foundation.
Foundation Coffee can be tasted at the MRP store in Fourways Mall.
