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Now in its fourth year, the Diners Club SA Barista of the Year competition continues to grow from strength to strength, cementing its reputation as a platform that celebrates and elevates South Africa’s vibrant coffee culture. The 2026 championship saw a notable increase in participating establishments, competing baristas and verified votes.

After careful counting, eight outstanding finalists emerged:

• Estiaan Lizamore, Elvis Brew, Noordheuwel, Krugersdorp – 2025 winner
• Simamkele Danisa, Olivia’s Coffee Shop, Northcliff
• Lucky Moyo, Homebake, Valley View Retail Centre, Noordheuwel, Krugersdorp
• Thabang Lebeko, Bru Coffee Roasters, Bell Drive Crossing, Noordheuwel, Krugersdorp
• Carla Vorster, The Diner Eatery, Monument, Krugersdorp
• Mahlatse Mahloko, Starbucks, Mall of Africa, Midrand – 2025 finalist
• Brian Moyo, Royal Coffee Roasters, The Courtyard, Randhart, Alberton – 2025 finalist
• Itumeleng Makgalemele, Xpresso, Randburg Square, Ferndale, Randburg

Ultimately, it was Mahlatse Mahloko of Starbucks at Mall of Africa who claimed the coveted title of Diners Club SA Barista of the Year 2026.

What began as an ordinary Friday turned into a celebration Mahlatse Mahloko will not soon forget when the Diners Club SA team surprised her at Starbucks, Mall of Africa, with the news that she had been crowned the 2026 winner.

Amid much jubilation, Mahloko was presented with the R20 000 grand prize, together with a trophy and certificate of excellence to display at Starbucks, Mall of Africa.

Her victory is particularly significant given that she also reached the top eight in last year’s competition, making her progression from finalist to overall winner a remarkable achievement.

“I felt very proud of myself and the work that I put in when I found out that I’m one of the finalists in the Diners Club Barista competition because I know it is not everyone who gets this chance to stand here today,” says Mahloko. “Even as a finalist, I was going to be grateful, but now I am more grateful as a winner.”

She adds: “I entered last year, and last year I still managed to make it to the top eight finalists, so me being here today, standing here as a winner, is one of the proudest moments of my life.”

The Diners Club SA Barista of the Year competition celebrates the art and craft of coffee-making while recognising the talented baristas who create memorable experiences for their customers – the “Day Makers” behind the coffee.

More than a competition, the initiative provides coffee shops and their baristas with an opportunity to showcase their talent and creativity, strengthen their reputation, build customer loyalty and attract new patrons. There is no entry fee for participating establishments.

During the competition, each participating merchant receives a prominent QR code to display in-store, allowing customers to vote for their favourite barista, with one vote permitted per till slip.

The voting process is designed to become part of the customer’s coffee experience, turning each purchase into an opportunity to support a favourite barista. Diners Club SA also promotes the competition through its social media channels, profiling participating baristas and encouraging customers to visit the coffee shops, experience their craft and cast their votes.

Congratulations to Mahlatse Mahloko and to all eight finalists who helped make the 2026 Diners Club SA Barista of the Year competition a celebration of South Africa's thriving coffee community.