When we think about dating apps or matchmaking services, our minds usually go to the big international names. But what about platforms built specifically for us? For South Africans? This week, we’re looking a little closer to home. In this episode of Love, Dating and Chaos, I put on my investigator hat—think Sherlock Holmes or Angela Lansbury, but the African edition—and find out if we as South Africans date differently. Because yes, while there are tons of global platforms out there, there are also homegrown options designed with South Africans in mind. I’m joined by two incredible women who have made a career out of hitching people up. First up is Lieze Wolfaardt, the founder of Smooches, a proudly South African dating app that takes a more thoughtful approach to matching. Then I speak to Michelle De Lange from Mingle—who is, wait for it, a real-life matchmaker. Not an algorithm, not a swipe. An actual human helping other humans find love. Imagine that. And just to round things out, I’ve got a story from Xola Ntshinga, who shares his own very weird experience. In this episode: 00:00 Welcome to Love Dating and Chaos 00:23 Exploring South African Dating Apps 01:05 In-Depth with Lieze Wolfaardt from Smooches 02:07 The Realities of Online Dating 04:12 Personal Experiences and Insights 07:37 Challenges of Modern Relationships 15:14 Story Time: A Man's Perspective on Dating Apps 19:10 Interview with Matchmaker Michelle De Lange 24:26 The Last Straw: Deciding to Move On 25:35 Explaining Infidelity to Children 26:39 Advice for Parents in Troubled Relationships 27:36 Empowering Women in the Dating World 28:24 Challenges of High-Powered Women in Dating 29:18 Men's Preferences and Dating Dynamics 30:27 The Importance of Compatibility 33:30 Personal Dating Experiences and Lessons 35:23 Red Flags and Green Flags in Relationships 42:41 Safety Tips for Modern Dating