Growing up, Joseph Matheatau dreamt of a better life. Today, he is the first blind barista in South Africa. Jenny Handley caught up with him to learn more about his life’s journey.
Growing up in Thaba Nchu in the Free State, Joseph suffered from undiagnosed glaucoma. Because of this, he could not write within the lines, for which he was mocked, pressured and punished by his teachers. After losing the sight in his right eye as a little boy, Joseph was finally diagnosed with glaucoma at the age of 28, but it was too late for any treatment – he became completely blind in 2010, at the age of 32.
A STAR IS BORN
In 2014, Joseph moved to Worcester in the Western Cape to study at Alo College for the blind – a turning point that would kick-start his career as the first blind barista in the country. His love for the trade, however, started in his early years. “Simple things are big things as everything starts at home. I used to make tea for my mother, which made her smile. I knew that when she was not well, I could make her a cup of tea with condensed milk. She has been very supportive. A simple cup of coffee can make anyone happy,” Joseph smiles.
This story is from the October 2018 edition of Food & Home Entertaining.
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This story is from the October 2018 edition of Food & Home Entertaining.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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