October Feature -
Community Keepers: From Chaos to Calm in Low-Income Schools
October is Mental Health Awareness Month, and for this month’s feature, we had the opportunity to meet with New Business Developer Reece Carstens from Community Keepers to learn about the services they offer, the stigma that surrounds mental health in South Africa and shared some tips on improving mental health in the workplace.
September Feature -
Shaun Maswanganyi: The Mindset of a Medallist
In celebration of Heritage Month, we are featuring Shaun Maswanganyi, Olympian and inspirational figure in South African athletics. Maswanganyi’s journey to an Olympic medallist is a testament to his unwavering dedication, resilience and the power of maintaining a positive mindset.
August Entrepreneur of the Month - Lindelwa Mahlalela: Enabling Positive Change through Education
This Women’s Month, we are celebrating the incredible achievements of edupreneur Lindelwa Mahlalela. As a woman entrepreneur and trailblazer, she’s empowering students and shaping the future of education in South Africa through her business, LeeConnect.
Beyond the Brew: The Story of Shalom Chikanya, Barista Battle Season Two Champion
Shalom Chikanya is the CoffeeMM Academy Barista Battle Season Two champion, but his story goes beyond coffee – it is a testament to the transformative power of passion, community and discovering our purpose.
The Quest for Coffee Perfection: Judges Prepare to Witness the Barista Battle
The smell of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of grinding coffee beans are about to take center stage at the much anticipated “Barista Battle” Season 2: Local Love!
The Barista Battle is Brewing! We Spill the Beans on What Makes a Champion Barista
The Barista Battle is brewing, offering a chance to showcase your coffee skills and creativity. We went local and chatted with our own CoffeeMM baristas – Austain, Clarence, and Dorothy – about the secret behind the perfect cup.
Small Acts, Big Impact: Reflecting on Youth Day with There Is Life Here
Youth Day serves as a day to remember the sacrifices made and the courage of the youth, which ignited a movement that turned their biggest challenge into an opportunity for a brighter future. We visit There Is Life Here – a non-profit and social enterprise – to witness how a small act of kindness can turn into hope for a brighter future.
Maikeleng Ledimo: Mom, Nurse, Founder, Changemaker, and Africa Month Hero
May is Africa Month! A time to honour unity and collaboration across African nations. We sat down with Maikeleng Ledimo – entrepreneur and founder of Leruo Nursing Services – to chat about her journey, her drive, and the advice she has for others who dream of making a difference by making Africa a better place.
Brewing a Brighter Future: Celebrating Africa Month with Ethical Sourcing and Delicious Coffee
May is Africa Month, a time to celebrate the continent’s rich heritage, vibrant cultures, unity and of course, its incredible coffee! This Africa Month, we’re bringing you the unique flavours the small coffee farmers we aim to empower cultivates in our African coffee blends.
10 Health Benefits of Coffee
Coffee. It’s the aroma that jumpstarts our mornings and the comforting warmth that fuels our afternoons. But did you know your daily cup holds more than just an energy boost? Dive into our latest blog post to discover 10 surprising health benefits of coffee that might make you love it even more!
Coffee and Cancer: What the Research Really Shows
Researchers have been investigating the links between coffee and cancer for decades. But there is still a lot they don’t know. In 2016, an expert panel convened by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) – the arm of the World Health Organization that is responsible for assessing whether certain substances cause cancer could not conclude that drinking coffee is carcinogenic.
Coffee Might Decrease Alzheimers Risk
Approximately 500 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide each year. A new study out of the Krembil Brain Institute, part of the Krembil Research Institute, suggests there could be more to that morning jolt of goodness than a boost in energy and attention. Drinking coffee may also protect you against developing both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Startup Interview with CoffeeMM Founder
CoffeeMM, a South African startup in the coffee business has been working with smallholder farmers in South Africa, Mozambique, Burundi and Zimbabwe to process their raw coffee for the retail market.
Besides connecting them to international markets and boosting their earnings, the startup has also assisted in creating a viable value chain. Mhlengi Ngcobo the founder and CEO discusses how exactly they do this and where he wants to take the business moving forward.
How It All Started
At the beginning of 2007, Mhlengi Ngcobo was just another happy 13-year-old boy playing with his friends after school. Then suddenly he started getting severe headaches, feeling dizzy and tired.
Today, 12 years later, he is not only the “biggest” coffee enthusiast, but he is also the founder of his own coffee roastery that works with smallholder farmers in South Africa and other African countries.
Young Entrepreneur Turns His Coffee Problem Into His Coffee Business
Being diagnosed with hypertension at the young age of 13 and then being warned to stay away from caffeinated drinks sparked a curiosity about the beverage in Mhlengi Ngcobo.
Now Ngcobo, 25, is the owner of a coffee roasting business called Coffee MM that sells coffee online using E-commerce and supplies restaurants and companies with fresh coffee.