DENNIS NGXONGO
The wind was at full throttle when l visited Basi Bean Coffee on Addington Beach. The former Afros Chicken is now a coffee haven on the corner of Adelaide Tambo and Marine Marade which combines an array of premium coffee blends with fresh pastries, and light meals.
For reference, think ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ – the scene where a ‘little drizzle’ results in Miranda missing the twins’ recital and, brave soul that I am, my scarf and I were not blown to the beach.
The idea behind Basi Bean Coffee was to bring coffee to the people. The beach promenade is awash with walkers, runners, joggers and general healthy living fanatics who enjoy the much-needed energy boost that the brew produces. The outlet, which is pretty much a trailer on the beach, is also dog-friendly, offering water (uncaffeinated) for pooches to enjoy while their owners imbibe the bean.
This coffee shop is the brain and love child of dynamic duo, general manager Thandabantu “Thanda” Buthelezi and Cebile Wanda, the “Big Boss” as she is affectionately known.
Cebile is a qualified chef who always had aspirations of owning her own string of restaurants that were for the people. “In fact, the idea of my own place was something that my dad and I were passionate about. He was my biggest champion through school and the International Hotel School where l qualified. Sadly, he passed away before we could live out our adventures, and so Basi Bean Coffee is a celebration of him and the dreams we had,” she says.
The Basi Bean slogan is “Happiness Begins” and, of course, there is a story behind that.
Happiness is the name of Cebile’s mother, and Basi is her late father’s nickname. The combining of both names in the shop is an almost tangible reminder to Cebile and Thanda of the dreams and support that both their families have given them.
“Our families have been everything,” Thanda says. Cebile adds: “Starting any business is tough, especially with the challenges we have had, but their support has kept us going.”
How did it all happen for Thanda, I ask?
“I was in love with business, any business. I started in many businesses including construction, where I got my bruises and learnings, and got to understand the basics,” he explains.
After his stint in construction and another kitchen environment, Thanda met Mjay from the lnanda Flavours Club and his dream of getting back into the hospitality business was re-ignited. This is where he started playing with coffees and met Cebile.
Together they looked for a space and, having secured their spot alongside the Golden Mile, Basi Bean Cafe was born.
Their Badi brew is made up of two great coffee brands. Coffee Merchant supplies them with the Nonmara bean and, one of the legendary Durban suppliers – Colombo
Tea and Coffee – supplies them with the Aggressive coffee blend.
I had the Nonmara and found it pleasant, thick foamy crema, great colour and flavour. I even forgave the disposable cup it was served in, so enchanting was the brew.
The duo plan to open several outlets in and around the city whilst, at the same time, increasing the events at which hey serve coffee via their mobile coffee outlets. The aim is ot become a coffee force to be reckoned with in Durban and surrounds.
There is also talk of training and development, especially in rural areas. ” Barista training from grades 6 to 10 can create employment opportunities in the tertiary space and develop a marketable skill. I would like Basi Bean to be involved in that,” opines Wanda.
Supported as they are by family and friends, and with a clear vision for success, it seems to me that they will achieve all they wish for.
Their place is well worth a visit. Basi Bean is on both Facebook and Instagram.
“Thank you so much for the wonderful feature, Dennis! At Basibean Cafe, we’re passionate about bringing quality coffee to the heart of Durban’s beachfront. We’re excited to continue growing and serving the community with great coffee and warm hospitality. We look forward to welcoming more people to our little slice of happiness on the Promenade. Stay tuned for more exciting developments!”
Thanda Buthelezi
General Manager, Basibean Cafe