Thembelihle loves that his job gives him the chance to engage with people from various walks of life.

Thembelihle Qezu is a Barista at an unconventional coffee shop. He shared his Career Pride story with us so we could learn more about his day-to-day life in the hospitality industry.

Thembelihle works at i love coffee - South Africa’s very first entirely Deaf-run coffee shop. Here Deaf people have the opportunity to give of their skills and be integrated with society. Before he could work for i love coffee, Thembelihle says that he decided to get a qualification. “I did a culinary course at the National Institute for the Deaf and I was fortunate enough to be placed at i love coffee as part of my internship.” The National Institute for the Deaf is an organisation established to help Deaf people learn how to read and write. Gary Hopkins, founder of i love coffee, says that although Thembelihle was a student, he was fun and exciting, and couldn’t wait to start working.

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A barista is responsible for serving all products in a friendly manner, and giving each customer individualised attention. Baristas are also responsible for educating customers about a coffee shop’s products. Working at i love coffee means that Thembelihle has the opportunity to engage with customers both verbally and visually. He also has the opportunity to teach them basic South African sign language – just enough to order their favourite coffee. Teaching people sign language is a huge part of my culture, Thembelihle says. “I love that I interact with different cultures.”

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We asked Thembelihle what advice he’d give to others who’d like to follow in his footsteps, and this is what he had to say: “My advice is mostly aimed at Deaf people as we have been marginalised for so long. For a long time we have been told that we cannot do things that "normal" people can do, but today I want to tell everyone that Deaf people CAN!”

Thembelihle says that he has come a long way, despite the challenges. “I want the Deaf people to know that their dreams can come true. It takes hard work and determination, but success comes to those who never give up.”

If you’d like to be featured in this Instagram series, send a mail to editor@careers24.com, telling us about yourself and your awesome job, and we’ll be in touch!