In one of the ‘newer’ old areas of Maboneng, adjacent to the famous Spark School building, Mcofana coffee lovers hang inside and out, inhaling the rich Rwandan coffee beans’ fresh-roasted aroma and snacking on fine patisserie. Mcofana is cool kasi slang for coffee – and you can expect a damn fine cup here, made by expert baristas.

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The new spot opened up in March, but this hot drink destination is the result of a dedicated slog. It started with Mokoena’s out-and-out love of excellent coffee. Nyakallo Mokoena first opened a coffee shop in Sasolburg in 2015 but, after the small market of coffee lovers there led him to close, he teamed up with his friend, Thabang Rankoe, and began selling coffee at events in Gauteng and the Free State.

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It was hard work learning to create a business from scratch – and then learning to market it. Determination drove them: to begin with, the two young men ground out thousands of cups of coffee on domestic-sized equipment. Today, though, when you walk into Mcofana, there’s a brand new industrial-grade machine and grinder ready to prepare your caffeine fix.

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The longer-term plan is for Mokoena and Rankoe to have their own coffee farm – which will allow them to grow their own beans – and to develop their proudly African brand into a franchise one day. In the shorter term, there are plans for coffee events and tastings, plus an imminent range of exclusive Mcofana products. For right now, though, you can expect fine coffee made by two baristas who have finally found their deserved place.

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In addition to the usual, the menu boasts some clever twists on coffee, including some cold brews. On the food side, scrumptious brownies, muffins and pastries are available, made off-site.

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Pro-tip: For a limited time, if you download Zapper here, you’ll be rewarded with one of their Mcofana cappuccinos, free at 10 Van Beek Street.