Because what’s a reunion without a little nostalgia, awkward hugs, and harmless fibbing?
Reunions in South Africa are a vibe. Whether it’s a high school get-together, varsity mates catching up, or just the crew from back in the day linking up over a braai — one thing’s for sure: the truth gets a bit… bent.
Here are the Top 5 Lies South Africans love to tell at reunions (with love, of course).
1. “We must definitely do this more often!”
Ah yes, the national anthem of every reunion. It’s warm, it’s fuzzy, it sounds sincere — and it’s an absolute lie.
Reality: You’ll see each other again in 5 years, at someone’s wedding or a surprise 40th. Maybe.
2. “You haven’t changed a bit!”
Spoken while staring at a receding hairline, three kids in tow, and someone who now refers to themselves as “a property mogul.”
Reality: We’ve all changed — and that’s okay. But it’s polite to pretend otherwise.
3. “I’m still in touch with everyone!”
Usually said by the class social butterfly who somehow knows everyone’s kid’s names, despite the group chat being 99% ghosted.
Reality: You muted the group in 2019 and only unmuted it last night to check what time to arrive.
4. “Work is going great, I’m just super busy!”
Said with a confident nod and vague descriptions like “consulting,” “investments,” or “entrepreneurship.”
Reality: Could be anything from killing it in Cape Town to battling burnout in Benoni. But we all pretend it’s thriving.
5. “I barely drink anymore.”
Usually announced while pouring a double Klippies and Coke or opening that 3rd bottle of wine.
Reality: You’ve just been drinking more strategically — and blaming it on load shedding.
Reunions are less about the truth and more about reconnecting. The lies? They’re part of the charm — a mix of ego, nostalgia, and the hope that no one remembers that awkward haircut from Matric dance. So, pour the drink, tell the stories, and enjoy the company. We’ll “definitely do this more often.”
