An ordinary Friday turned unforgettable when the Diners Club team surprised Mahlatse Mahloko at her espresso bar at Starbucks, Mall of Africa, with the news that she had claimed the title of Diners Club SA Barista of the Year 2026.

Amidst much jubilation, Mahlatse was presented with her well-deserved R20 000 grand prize along with a trophy and certificate of excellence for display at Starbucks, Mall of Africa. 

Mahlatse said: “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. Even as a finalist, I was going to be grateful, but now I am more grateful as a winner. 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.”

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 competition celebrates the art of coffee-making, honouring the talented baristas – the true Day Makers – who transform beans into moments of joy. More than a contest, it’s a platform for coffee shops and baristas to shine, inspire, and lead within the coffee community. With no entry fee, the competition offers cafés the chance to showcase their star baristas, highlight their creativity and skill, elevate their reputation, deepen customer loyalty, and attract new patrons.

Participating merchants are provided with a prominent QR code to display in-store, making it easy for customers to vote for their favourite barista – one vote per till slip. This seamless system integrates naturally into the customer experience, turning every coffee purchase into an opportunity to support their chosen contender. 

This year’s championship once again saw a remarkable increase in the number of participating establishments, competing baristas and verified votes.

After careful counting, eight outstanding finalists emerged:

· Estiaan Lizamore, Elvis Brew, Noordheuwel, Krugersdorp (last year’s 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 (a finalist in 2025)

· Brian Moyo, Royal Coffee Roasters, The Courtyard, Randhart, Alberton (a finalist in 2025)

· Itumeleng Makgalemele, Xpresso, Randburg Square, Ferndale, Randburg

During the competition, Diners Club SA actively markets the championship through its social media channels, profiling the baristas and driving new customers to their coffee shops to enjoy their craft and cast their votes.

Ultimately, it was Mahlatse Mahloko who claimed the title of Diners Club SA Barista of the Year 2026!