Want to reconnect with old school, varsity or college friends – but don’t know where on Earth they’ve gone? If they’re South African, wherever they’re living now, there’s a website that can help you find them.
Launched in 2002, SAReunited now lists over 36 000 schools, universities and colleges and over 31 000 cities and towns in its database, and has over 664 000 registered users.
“South Africans, by nature, place great value on friendship”, says founder Themi Stergianos. “Our research has shown that, due to varying circumstances, many of us have become displaced from our families and friends that we grew up with. Yet no matter where you are, SAReunited can offer its reuniting service to each and every South African.
“Overseas members, for instance, can upgrade to premier membership, whereby they can not only look for South Africans in their overseas city, but even search for those from a particular school who live in their city.”
Around 70% of SAReunited’s users live in South Africa, while the majority of foreign users are in the UK, Australia, the US, New Zealand and Canada.
One reason for SAReunited’s success is its South Africanism: it was conceived, designed and developed by South Africans, who understand their users’ unique requirements.
Another factor is the ongoing evolution of the site. Since its inception, the developers have added dedicated sections for various professions, while providing a variety of special offers for members.
South African expatriates can now publish their “confessions” on the site, while users looking for love can try their hand at an associated, innovative online dating site co-developed by Stergianos: yesnomayB.
SAinfo reporter
