It’s often said that dating in Johannesburg is an extreme sport, and while that might be true, there’s no denying the growing number of singles events popping up across the city. From the trendy inner city to the East Rand’s buzzing suburbs, it’s clear that Joburg singles are tired of the apps and ready to find true connections IRL.
Enter Boets and Babes, the latest addition to the East Rand dating landscape. This new events company is on a mission to create a vibrant platform where singles can meet, mingle, and make real connections, no swiping required.
“Boets and Babes is all about throwing flirty singles events,” explains the founder, who prefers to remain unnamed for now to build intrigue. “Our ultimate goal is to host singles festivals and create spaces where people can connect without the pressure of a Tinder date or the fear of being catfished.”
A cry for romance in the East Rand
The idea was born from a clear gap in the market and a personal frustration with how dating has evolved, especially in the East Rand.
“The East Rand dating scene is pretty cutthroat,” the founder admits. "It's not fun anymore. Post-COVID, it feels like the good guys on Tinder are gone, and we're left with a hookup culture."
Her own journey to find love inspired her to start something that puts romance, connection, and fun back on the table. “Dating apps are blunt and callous. We need a revival in the romance department, and that’s exactly what Boets and Babes is here to do.”
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What to expect at Boets and Babes events
While no official events have been hosted yet, the first one is set for July, and there’s already a healthy buzz surrounding it. Each Boets and Babes singles event will feature a two-part experience, complete with activations and clever icebreakers to help ease the awkwardness of chatting to strangers.
“It’s about enjoying the vibe, having a little giggle, being a little unhinged, and just letting things flow for people,” says the founder.
Even in its soft-launch phase, Boets and Babes has made waves on Instagram, gaining new followers every day. The team has already partnered with influencers and teased an exciting collab with a major social platform.
“We’re here for the drama and the chaos,” she laughs, embracing the spicy energy of their early posts. “We’re leaning into it, with unhinged content and some wild promo videos planned. We want people to feel like they can be cheeky, flirty, and totally themselves.”
A fun, flirty alternative to dating apps in Johannesburg
Boets and Babes is shaping up to be more than just an events brand; it’s a new way to date in Johannesburg. Especially for those on the East Rand who’ve been craving something real.
So, if you’re tired of ghosting, catfishing, or endlessly swiping left in your PJs, this could be the singles event Johannesburg didn’t know it needed. And when you meet the one, don’t forget where you heard about it first.
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