Speed dating is making waves in uMhlanga, and people are loving it! If you’re still on the fence, we caught up with Chanelle Nundlal, the host behind these matchmaking events, to give you the lowdown.
The Spark
Chanelle, a 33-year-old attorney at CN Attorneys uMhlanga and a die-hard romantic, enjoys bringing people together. And here’s why:
After coming out of a long-term relationship that ended, it seemed daunting and rather unsafe to enter the dating world again. I am an old-school romantic girl, and I cannot possibly imagine meeting my significant other online. Like many other professional singles, I realised that I did not have the time or energy to invest in my social life.
While discussing my dating life with a dear friend over a Sunday lunch at Mozambik, Morningside, I proposed the idea of speed dating. My friend knew the restaurant owner, Monica Jorgensen, and asked if we could host the first event there. She kindly approved.
The Event
These speed dating events are held in a classy, controlled environment, creating a relaxed atmosphere for singles to mingle. Each participant gets 3-4 minutes to chat with each person, with 25-30 dates in one evening. The age groups are 27-45 and 35-55, with a two-year age leniency.
Community Response
The uMhlanga community’s response has made my heart overflow with joy! Most speedsters who attend usually refer single friends and family members to upcoming events. We’ve hosted over 200 to date and have received a number of matches (some of which are still dating to this day!). Apart from romantic matches, it’s quite heartwarming to see speedsters who start as strangers form friendship groups at the end of the events. I have been told by many that they have not been in an environment with that many happy people before!
Memorable Moments
We’ve had many success stories, including one of a gentleman whose wife had passed on about five years before, who found a new life partner. He attended our first speed dating event. He was extremely shy and uncertain about joining, as he was convinced that he would spend the rest of his days alone. He then met his current partner at our event and couldn’t be more in love! The couple came to visit one of my speed dating events and brought me a beautiful gift as a token of their appreciation. The events have provided a platform that has given many singles their confidence back, as well as provided a safe space to re-enter the dating world.
Advice
In a world where social media dominates, meeting people in real life helps to spark genuine conversations and connections. It allows you to gauge the energy, personality and genuineness of a person far more accurately. So, if you’re ready to “get back out there”, join us!
If you don’t find a match, you will definitely make some good friends in one of the happiest and most positive environments in Durban to date!
Instagram: chanelle_nundlal