Fiks captured the heart of the local coffee industry placing 11th at the National Barista Championships

Fiks delving into the world of roasting at Lineage Coffee, in Hillcrest. Image: MRP Foundation/ Tim Lubbe

Fikile Khuzwayo’s passion, personality and technical coffee finesse catapulted her into eleventh place at the Speciality Coffee Association of South Africa’s (SCASA) National Coffee Competition – an incredible achievement considering this was her first time competing in the national coffee contest. She also went home with a R500 voucher from Almond Breeze Latte Art Video Challenge for 7th place.

After wowing the judges and placing in the top 6 at the Regional Barista Championships hosted in Durban late last year, Fiks journeyed to the National Barista Championship semi-finals held in Johannesburg from 7 – 9 May. Once again, MRP Foundation’s coffee queen prepared a series of speciality coffee-based drinks and presented a professional presentation in front of four judges.

“The competition was good but very tough and strict. As a new competitor, I knew I wasn’t going to make it to the top 6 because the champions have been in the coffee industry for 5 to 10 years. But I was so glad that I went to Nationals and learnt so much. I can’t wait to compete in regionals again and I promise I’ll knock the competition out.”

Fiks works at the MRP Foundation coffee station in the Mr. Price Group Head Office canteen and is part of a bigger coffee story. The MRP Foundation has partnered up with Craig Charity, former SA Barista Champ, and the Long Miles Coffee Project, who source high-quality ethical coffee in Burundi, to ensure MRP Foundation’s coffee is honourably sourced and tastes delicious. From every cup sold R1 goes to MRP Foundation.

Thank you to all the associates who have helped Fiks reach her dreams!