Mahlatse Mahloko of Starbucks Mall of Africa has been crowned the Diners Club SA Barista of the Year 2026 after a record-breaking competition celebrating South Africa’s thriving coffee culture
South Africa’s coffee scene has a new champion. Mahlatse Mahloko of Starbucks Mall of Africa has been named the Diners Club SA Barista of the Year 2026, following the competition’s biggest edition yet.
Now in its fourth year, the prestigious championship continues to grow as one of the country’s leading celebrations of exceptional baristas and independent coffee culture. This year’s competition attracted a significant increase in participating cafés, competing baristas and verified customer votes.
Meet the Diners Club SA Barista of the Year 2026 finalists
After thousands of votes were counted, eight outstanding finalists earned their place in the national spotlight:
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Estiaan Lizamore – Elvis Brew, Noordheuwel, Krugersdorp (2025 winner)
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Simamkele Danisa – Olivia’s Coffee Shop, Northcliff
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Lucky Moyo – Homebake, Valley View Retail Centre, Noordheuwel, Krugersdorp
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Thabang Lebeko – Bru Coffee Roasters, Bell Drive Crossing, Noordheuwel, Krugersdorp
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Carla Vorster – The Diner Eatery, Monument, Krugersdorp
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Mahlatse Mahloko – Starbucks, Mall of Africa, Midrand (2025 finalist)
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Brian Moyo – Royal Coffee Roasters, Alberton (2025 finalist)
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Itumeleng Makgalemele – Xpresso, Randburg Square, Ferndale
While the competition showcased remarkable talent from across South Africa, Mahloko emerged as this year’s winner after impressing customers throughout the voting period.
A surprise celebration at Starbucks Mall of Africa
What began as an ordinary Friday quickly became a career-defining moment for Mahloko.
The Diners Club South Africa team surprised her behind the espresso bar at Starbucks Mall of Africa, presenting her with the R20,000 grand prize, the Barista of the Year trophy and a certificate of excellence for the store.
The celebration recognised not only her technical skill but also the passion she brings to every cup she serves.
More than a coffee competition
The Diners Club SA Barista of the Year competition has become much more than an annual contest. It gives cafés an opportunity to showcase their standout talent while strengthening customer engagement and attracting new visitors.
Participation is free, making it accessible to coffee shops across the country. Each participating café receives a unique QR code that customers can scan in-store to vote for their favourite barista, with one vote linked to each till slip.
Throughout the campaign, Diners Club South Africa profiles competing baristas across its social media platforms, helping drive greater visibility for both the individuals and the businesses they represent.
Mahlatse Mahloko reflects on becoming Barista of the Year
For Mahloko, the win carries special significance after reaching the finals in 2025.
“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.”
She added:
“Even as a finalist, I was going to be grateful, but now I am more grateful as a winner. I entered last year and still managed to make it into the top eight finalists, so standing here today as the winner is one of the proudest moments of my life.”
Her journey from finalist to champion reflects the dedication and resilience celebrated by the competition each year.
What’s next for the 2026 champion?
As part of her prize, Mahloko will be featured in Signature Magazine, while an exclusive video interview with the newly crowned champion is being shared across Diners Club South Africa’s social media platforms.
The 2026 edition closes another successful chapter for one of South Africa’s most respected coffee competitions, reinforcing the country’s growing appreciation for the skilled baristas who transform everyday coffee rituals into memorable experiences.
