Swiping left is out. Real-life chemistry is in. Chanelle Nundlal is bringing old-school romance back to Umhlanga and surrounds, one speed date at a time.
For Chanelle, dating is about something increasingly rare in a digital world: genuine, face-to-face connection.
An admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa, provincial judge for the BBSA (affiliated with the IFBB) and self-confessed romantic, Chanelle began hosting speed-dating events last year, initially as a fun idea that quickly grew into a popular fixture on Durban’s social scene.
The idea came about after Chanelle ended a long-term relationship and realised that she wasn’t alone in finding it difficult to meet quality singles.
Busy young professionals were increasingly turning to dating apps, while opportunities to meet people naturally and in person seemed to be disappearing.
“I’m an old-school girl and prefer meeting people in person as opposed to online,” she says.
What started as one event soon became another, and then another, as singles began asking when the next opportunity to meet would be. Today, Chanelle’s events bring together like-minded people looking for everything from romance to friendship – and, perhaps most importantly, a little confidence to put themselves back out there.
More than a match
Speed dating, Chanelle says, isn’t simply about finding “the one”. It’s about creating an environment where people can relax, socialise and rediscover the fun of meeting someone new.
Almost every attendee gets a chance to chat to Chanelle, allowing her to learn more about their backgrounds and what they are hoping to find. While love is certainly on the agenda, many attendees leave having made new friends too.
She has watched shy participants come out of their shells and gain confidence, while others who had spent years focused on work or staying at home have rediscovered the excitement of dressing up, going out and enjoying life.
And unlike online dating, there are no endless weeks of messaging before discovering whether there is any chemistry. Attendees can experience up to 25 dates in a single evening, with conversations carefully timed to keep things moving and prevent anyone from getting stuck on an awkward date.
“There’s an element of intentionality about the speedsters who attend our events,” Chanelle says.
Everyone has made the effort to be there, creating an atmosphere filled with people who genuinely want to connect.
Real-life romance
The sweetest proof that it works is in the success stories. Chanelle knows of couples who met at her very first event and are still together today.
One of her favourites involves an older gentleman who had lost his wife several years earlier. He never expected to find love again, but met someone special at one of Chanelle’s events. They are still together – and, she says, he is “like a teenage boy in love again.”
There have also been plenty of unexpected moments. At a Valentine’s event, a woman and man who had been chatting on Facebook for years finally met in person. They subsequently became a couple.
For Chanelle, those moments are what make the events worthwhile.
And there’s more to come. She is planning niche events focused on shared interests, including fitness and faith, giving singles even more opportunities to meet someone who shares their passions.
Details: IG: chanelle_nundlal TikTok: @chanelle_the_attorney
