Mdu is a Ciro Deaf Barista competition alumni, having won the 2017 competition and placing second the following year. With his passion for coffee, Mdu strives to mentor current and future competitors. You can find Mdu pouring Latte art at the Old Mutual coffee bar, where you will likely get a shared joke along with your morning coffee.
Velly is known for her smile and bubbling personality. Customers at Saxby SPAR Beantree visit to specifically see her. Velly serves coffee and assist in the deli and fresh line counter. She enjoys preparing the BAR ONE Hot chocolate for customers with a shot of espresso - as she decorates it with cream and marshmallows and this makes her heart feel full and happy. Velly loves travelling with friends and is competing in the Ciro Deaf Barista Competition for the third time this year.
Karabo is an all time favourite in the coffee community with a sense of humor that makes everyone who meets him laugh! Karabo is competing in the competition for the first time this year and is very enthusiastic with his
Shy and friendly, Karabo is still quite new in the barista profession however he is not scared to take on the challenge of competing in the Ciro Deaf Barista Competition for the first time and looks forward to the challenge. Karabo is currently employed at Microsoft in Bryanston - and his favourite coffee to prepare is Blacksmith Coffee. He enjoys the story behind the brand - he says. What he enjoys the most about coffee is the feeling it gives you and that it creates job opportunities for anyone who is keen and willing. Karabo enjoys playing soccer on his off days with his friends.
Another first time competitor, Kabelo is known for his dedication and commitment to the coffee industry amongst his friends. He is always professionally dressed and strives to deliver his best at Tsogo Sun where he is currently employed. His favourite drink to serve customers is a cappuccino because he can express himself through it and communicate to all customers in this way.
Barron enjoys the fact that good coffee makes people happy and brings people together. Although quiet and shy, Barron enjoys preparing and serving coffee for her customers but her favourite part of her job is making sure that her barista station is clean all the time and everything is in it's proper place. New to the Ciro Coffee Academy Deaf Barista Upliftment Program, Barron completed her training in February 2019 and is currently employed through Tshebo Beverage Solutions, who continue to support the program by employing and placing baristas through their network.
Currently employed in the coffee shop at SAB Miller, Andile joined the Ciro Coffee Academy as a deaf barista trainee in 2016 and this year has decided to compete in the Ciro Deaf Barista competition for the first time. Andile enjoys all manners of sport and loves to play netball on her days off. Her favourite part of her daily routine is simply to help her customers with their coffee fix.
Ever enthusiastic, Dineo will be competing in the Ciro Deaf Barista competition for the second year in a row and this time is prepared for what the competition will bring. Dineo enjoys serving customers in all aspects. In her current role, she not only serves coffee but also deli delights, baked goods, desserts and all things delicious. In her spare time she enjoys drinking cappuccinos and spending time with friends.
Leyla is our current Ciro Head Office resident barista and busy bee, lending a hand wherever she can and enjoying being part of the hustle and bustle that is Ciro. Her future hopes are that she will one day own her own business. Leyla enjoys a spicy Chai latte when pouring herself a hot beverage, while her favourite drink is to serve customers a cappuccino with a heart.
