Meeting Joburg's single life

If you find yourself dateless yet again this Valentines Day, maybe it's time to do something about it. Enter Jo'burg's matchmakers, Suzette Leal and Tilda Loots who have founded Meet Joburg to provide a platform for like-minded singles to meet and mingle.

If your idea of socialising while single is a three-course meal in two cities, partying in one of Joburg's cultural precincts and being driven around in a limousine, then Meet Joburg may just be for you.

So you've tried online and speed dating, your social network profile image is one of you looking as amazing as is possible but still no luck in the love department? Perhaps you've been attending social events, family get-togethers, braais and do's hosted by close friends, yet still you have not met the "one".

Cue Meet Joburg, the single professional's answer to spending time with like-minded career-driven people and an opportunity to mingle with those whose relationship status is similar to yours.

Which is why when an invitation arrived to experience what seemed to be a highly promising fun night, there was no question as to who would be tagging along for a first-hand experience.

The night kicked off at Ratz in Melville, where we were greeted by an array of colourful and shiny apparel – this kept in line with the evening's theme of "bling". Several guests took the bling theme very seriously and wore top hats and gold chains with dollar signs – all in the name of having a good time.

A starter and welcome drink later, the upmarket single scene became clearer. Opposite me were two stunning women who nervously sipped their drinks while keeping an eye out for "potential". As the evening wore on, I met  both women, Diana* and Kate*. Diana said she was a 39-year-old divorcee who had one child. This was her first Meet Joburg event and she was looking to try something new. Kate, on the other hand, was 10 years younger and seeking a social thrill. Though not too worried about snagging herself a hunk, she looked forward to enjoying herself.

While chatting to Kate and Diana, a fellow Meet Joburg guest, Luke*, joined us. His story was that as a single, career-driven bachelor living in Bryanston, he had nothing to lose mingling with singles. Although accompanying a friend, Luke seemed quite eager to interact with the several women around him. As the night progressed, there was a very welcome announcement that three top-of-the-range Mercedes-Benz limos had arrived.

Fellow guests and I happily hopped in and were pleasantly surprised to find bottles of fine champagne, disco lights and good music awaiting us. With no idea as to where our destination ended, all gladly chatted and sipped away. Nearly an hour later, we realised that Papa's Real Good Food in Pretoria's Brooklyn was where we would be wined and dined. This was where I became acquainted with John* and Winston*, both bachelors with high- end public and private sector jobs. John, a middle child from a family of three, had become a regular at Meet Joburg events. Winston had just gone through a tough divorce and was looking to get in touch with his single side again.

Based on my interactions with several Meet Joburg guests and regulars, these events are definitely suited for social butterflies. If you are shy, give this type of event a miss – there's plenty more in the form of sports and art offered by Meet Joburg.

For more information on Meet Joburg and to become a member, visit: www.meetjoburg.co.za and complete the application.

* Not their real names