“Start your day with coffee, end your day with wine,” says Nhlakanipho Justice Zondo. Dedicated to the discipline, art and love of fine beverages, Nhlakanipho, is putting his best foot forward discovering the joy and energy of coffee and wine.
The 27-year-old, from Cato Manor in Durban, is determined to expand his knowledge of South African and international wines in terms of region, viticulture and vinification, as well as basic knowledge of beers, ciders, spirits, water, coffee and tea.
“I am absolutely loving my journey in this industry where I get to explore this new world that I was once totally unfamiliar with. It has given me the opportunity to turn passion into a career,” says Zondo. Raised in Port Shepstone in KwaZulu-Natal’s south coast, Zondo relocated to Durban to pursue a short training course as a waitron at Starline Training Centre in Durban. He was then employed at several top Durban restaurants before landing a job at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani hotel.
“I started off as a casual waiter during the December holidays in 2018. I worked hard, showed dedication and commitment and two months later was offered a full-time waitron position at Vigour & Verve Maharani and Grill Jichana restaurants,” he said. Zondo was then exposed to the intricacies of wine as well as the art of coffee making.
“The hospitality industry has opened my eyes to a great variety of options and possibilities. I was always intrigued as there was so much on offer. My journey began by learning the basics of wine,” he explained. Zondo has since not looked back. As time went by, his knowledge grew, as he assisted more and more guests make informed beverage choices.
“Dining is an experience and wine adds lustre to that experience, enhancing flavours if it is paired well. It gives me the greatest pleasure in helping guests have the best dining experience.” Zondo says it took him about a year to understand the basics of wine adding that he continues to learn every day.
As a barista, Zondo spent nine months mastering the perfect cup of coffee. “It takes patience, the best coffee bean and love to create the perfect cup. I challenge myself each day and maintain that drinking a cup of coffee can be likened to drinking a work of art,” says Nhlakanipho.