Speed dating. Its the new way to meet people, all the rage down south and the centre of great controversy, so I was most surprised when my friend, Maria told me that she had been on a speed date.

After my initial shock had worn off, I questioned why Maria, a 27 year old, good looking, successful dentist would resort to what was in my mind a drastic and dare I say it desperate measure.

Marias matter of fact response explained it all. Lets admit it, Im getting on and still havent met Mr Right. Despite being introduced to many potentials by my family, I have not met the right type of guy.

All the men that I have met are either bad boys or lacking a few (hundred) brain cells. As there arent any professionals in my community, what more can I expect my family to do? I refuse to spend the rest of my days with a man who I have barely anything in common with, and I am not prepared to destine myself to being a lonely, wacky old spinster.

Speed dating seemed like a fun way to meet people- possibly Mr Right. I was curious to know more and Maria explained how it worked,

There were about 30 people there, all had been vetted by the organisers before the event. I was given a number and sat in a row with other girls with a slip in my hand that had the numbers of all the other participants.

I was allowed 3 minutes to interview the person in front of me and found that most were mature, interesting adults. The event was definitely not as vulgar as I had thought it would be.

Whilst Maria was speaking, I was scanning my mind for a list of single men who I knew that Maria could possibly be introduced to. When I confirmed the number to be zero, I quickly understood Marias dilemma.

It has been the norm in our communities for the men to be qualified professionals and the sole bread winners in the home, however with the sudden surge of more girls furthering their education and careers, there has been a huge increase in the number of successful women professionals.

As is inevitable, with education came the change in opinions and outlooks on life. Us country bumpkins changed our views on what we expect from a partner and a marriage, possibly resulting in more mixed cultural marriages.

The stigma attached to speed dating has rendered it to be almost unspeakable. Religious leaders have openly given their views (often condemning the whole event) without putting forward realistic alternatives.

I am not about to comment upon any of the opinions, but I am going to say that it is not wise to express sentiments that reprimand, when it is clear that in this modern day society the views are not going to be appreciated and could possible lead to directing individuals further away from the true path that the leaders are trying to direct us onto.

Most girls have been able to find their own lifelong partners for themselves, but what about those who have not been able to?

Girls like Maria have been unintentionally overlooked and tossed to the fringes of our communities, not fitting in or belonging to any given group.

The sad but true fact now is that there are more single, qualified individuals in our communities and they are beginning to form a group for themselves. So can we really condemn such groups meeting?