Plan a first meeting with room to decide

A practical first-meeting checklist for Johannesburg, Cape Town and beyond.

Choose a public meeting point

Whether you are meeting in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban or another city, agree on a busy public location and a clear start and finish time. Check the venue's current hours yourself. A short coffee can leave more room to decide than a full evening.

Keep control of your journey

Arrange your own transport, tell someone you trust where you are going, and make a plan to check in. You can change your mind or leave at any time. A gift or paid bill does not create an obligation.

Talk about intentions

Discuss the kind of connection you are looking for and respect different expectations. Avoid sharing sensitive financial information. If the conversation becomes pressured, step back and use the reporting tools.