Baristas- While the world’s most powerful leaders meet behind tightly guarded doors at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, another crucial operation is unfolding just outside the spotlight. Inside the sprawling media centre at Nasrec, hundreds of reporters from across the globe are working around the clock—and none of it would be possible without the tireless efforts of the baristas keeping them fuelled.
The media hub has transformed into a buzzing ecosystem of glowing screens, urgent deadlines, frantic typing, and endless caffeine. Rows of desks stretch across the floor, each occupied by journalists waiting for the next update from behind the security cordons. On massive screens, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s opening remarks play repeatedly, while tables stocked with snacks are replenished almost as quickly as they are consumed. But if there is one place where the real energy of the room pulses, it is at the coffee stations.
Baristas: The Unsung Heroes of Global Summits
Cape Talk’s Lester Kiewit, roaming between workstations and coffee queues, described the atmosphere as unexpectedly calm—an organised chaos fuelled by caffeine. And at the heart of that caffeine engine are the expert baristas working at full speed to keep the global news cycle alive.
Their job may seem simple at first glance, but during an international event of this scale, the demand for coffee is relentless. The baristas are not just making drinks; they are holding together a workforce of exhausted, jet-lagged, information-hungry reporters who depend on them to stay sharp.
Behind the counters, machines hiss, steam rises, and the smell of freshly ground beans fills the air. Journalists from different continents queue for cappuccinos, Americanos, macchiatos, lattes—anything that can help them push through another hour of live updates, breaking news, and tight writing deadlines.
Leading this high-energy operation is Sbuzani Ndlovu, the man in charge of the coffee stations. Surrounded by a team of skilled baristas, Ndlovu has hardly had a moment to catch his breath. In just two hours, he estimates they have served roughly 1,900 cups of coffee across the two bars.
“We barely stop to wipe down the machine,” he laughs, adding that their goal is simply to keep up with demand and keep journalists alert. “Everyone here needs something strong, something fast, and something good.”
For many journalists, the coffee station has become more than a place to grab a quick drink. It is a brief moment of comfort, a place to swap notes, reset mentally, and share small conversations before diving back into the high-pressure environment of global reporting.
Inside the media centre, the mixture of exhaustion and excitement is palpable. Some reporters hunch over their laptops, tapping furiously as they file stories. Others watch the big screens, waiting for official statements or policy announcements. A few sit silently, headphones on, listening to analysts break down global risks and negotiations.
Despite the hectic pace, there is a certain rhythm to the room—one made possible by the constant flow of caffeine delivered by the baristas. Some journalists joke that the coffee stations are the real epicenter of the summit, a sentiment that Ndlovu’s team takes to heart as they grind, pour, steam, and serve without pause.
Events like the G20 Summit demand focus, speed, accuracy, and stamina from the press. Journalists are often far from home, managing long shifts, irregular sleep, and intense workloads. The role of baristas extends beyond serving beverages; they essentially help maintain the mental clarity and productivity of the global media community.
Their presence contributes to the smooth running of the information pipeline. Without them, the world’s newspapers, TV broadcasts, live blogs, and social media streams would struggle to keep pace with the fast-moving events at the summit.
In many ways, the baristas represent a behind-the-scenes workforce whose expertise keeps major global conversations flowing—cup by cup.
As the summit continues, the coffee stations remain some of the busiest areas in the entire venue. Reporters joke about camping near the espresso machines, while others praise the skill and speed of the baristas who never seem to slow down.
The synergy between journalists and baristas forms a small but vital ecosystem within the wider G20 machine. It is a reminder that even the most influential global gatherings rely on everyday workers and their dedication—from security personnel and translators to technicians and coffee makers.
And as long as the headlines keep rolling, the baristas at Nasrec will keep pulling shots, refilling cups, and fuelling the heartbeat of the global newsroom—one drink at a time.
