Cape Town community purchases a tuk-tuk for their favourite barista

Described as the best barista ever, Jack Umba is the hard-working owner of Jack’s Place (Coffee Jess), in Claremont, Cape Town.

Meet Jack Umba | Cape Town’s favourite barista

Jack, like many of us, has a dream to create a better future for himself and his family.

Jack’s dreams include purchasing a mobile tuk-tuk (with a built-in coffee machine), which will enable him to reach a greater number of customers & deliver coffees directly to their homes. He also plans to expand his business to cater for parents in the Southern Suburbs, offering coffees at school drop-offs. 

Jack currently uses his bicycle for transport and is often seen cycling the streets of Claremont and Harfield Village, with coffee and pancake orders perched safely in a coffee carrier on his bicycle’s handlebars. 

A mobile coffee tuk-tuk

However, he has realised that a mobile coffee tuk-tuk is the perfect solution, as it’s relatively small, uses fuel sparingly, and will enable him to expand his customer base by going further, thereby making even more Capetonians happy every day by delivering their favourite beverage directly to their door.

Jack has built a name for himself in the local community with his “absolutely delicious” coffee and his sunny disposition. He always greets patrons with a big smile, a hug (when safe to do so), warmth, and kindness.  Jack also gives back to his community, by joining Harlyn Neighbourhood Watch on patrols in the evenings.

Michelle Tayler-Smith, a local Claremont resident decided to step in and help Jack to achieve his dream. 

Getting Jack on the Move

Michelle launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, to get “Jack on the Move” quicker. 

Since the launch of his campaign over R25 000 has been raised, with kind contributions from more than 70 donors.  If the campaign reaches its fundraising target of R90 000, Jack will be able to cover the cost of a second-hand tuk-tuk, a coffee machine as well as modifications to get the vehicle on the road. 

“Jack is overwhelmed and humbled by the support he is getting from South Africans all over the world and assures everyone that he will not let them down,” said Michelle

Ensuring transparency with donors, Jack has asked that funds be paid directly to the relevant suppliers.