--- title: "Make new friends and explore new hobbies in retirement" description: "Here’s a selection of activities from around South Africa to suit a variety of interests and tastes." type: "NewsArticle" publisher: "Daily Maverick" site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za" section: "PENCILLED IN" author: "Tricia King" author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/tricia-king/" canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-07-03-make-new-friends-explore-new-hobbies-in-retirement/" published: "2025-07-03T14:15:16" updated: "2025-07-04T11:50:40" lang: "en-ZA" word_count: 391 --- # Make new friends and explore new hobbies in retirement > Here’s a selection of activities from around South Africa to suit a variety of interests and tastes. By Tricia King · Published 3 July 2025, 16:15 SAST · Updated 4 July 2025, 13:50 SAST ## Key points - If you're looking to swap Netflix for some real-life connections, the Meetup app is your new best friend, linking you to everything from art classes to silent book clubs—because who doesn't want to read in peace before chatting about it? - The Meetup app connects locals to various social clubs and activities, from hiking to chess, enhancing community engagement. - Johannesburg's Kim Sacks School of Ceramics offers diverse pop-up workshops, blending art and community at 153 Jan Smuts Avenue. - Cape Town Swing invites beginners to learn swing dancing, fostering fitness and social connections through joyful movement. - Pretoria's SANBI Botanical Garden provides a serene environment for nature lovers, with events and discounts for seniors. ## Content #### **National** The [Meetup app](https://www.meetup.com/) connects you to social clubs, games evenings, dances and clubs for [hiking](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article_tag/hiking/), gardening, chess and tennis in your neighbourhood. #### **Johannesburg** Activity: Art classes at the [Kim Sacks School of Ceramics & Gallery Workshops](https://kimsacks.com/). Description: Though primarily known for ceramics, Kim Sacks offers various pop-up workshops covering clay, fibre and paper. Address: 153 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood; Email: [kim@kimsacks.com](mailto:kim@kimsacks.com); contact number: 067 704 3926 (office hours) or 083 377 7499 (WhatsApp for workshop info). Activity: [University of the Third Age](https://www.u3ajoburgeast.co.za/contact/) (U3A). Description: U3A offers educational and leisure activities for retired and semiretired people. Members share their knowledge and interests through a variety of courses and groups covering diverse topics, from history and literature to hobbies and current affairs. Address: 6 Randjeslaagte Rd, Highlands North, Johannesburg, 2192 (This is its administrative address; classes may be held elsewhere or online.); Email: [hugs2@iafrica.com](mailto:hugs2@iafrica.com); contact number: Email is preferred for initial contact, but check the website for general U3A national contacts if needed. #### **Cape Town** Activity: Cape Town Swing (beginner classes and social dances). Description: Learn the joyful art of swing dancing! It’s a fantastic way to stay active, meet new people and enjoy music. Address: Varies for classes and social dances (check its [website](https://capetownswing.co.za/) for current venues); Email: [info@capetownswing.co.za](mailto:info@capetownswing.co.za); contact number: Email is preferred. Activity: Silent Book Club – Cape Town Chapter. Description: A unique social activity for book lovers. Instead of assigned readings and formal discussions, participants gather in a relaxed setting (often cafés) to read their own books in comfortable silence, followed by optional casual chatting. Address: Various public venues (check its Meetup or social media for event locations); Email: Often managed through Meetup or direct message via social media. Website/platform: Look for “Silent Book Club Cape Town” on Meetup.com or Instagram. #### **Pretoria** Activity: SANBI Pretoria National Botanical Garden. Description: The garden offers a beautiful space for walking and connecting with nature, and it has pensioner discounts for annual memberships. There are often events, educational programmes and volunteer opportunities that could appeal to gardeners. Address: 2 Cussonia Ave, Brummeria; Email: sanbi@behonest.co.za (general SANBI queries) or [membership@sanbi.org.za](mailto:membership@sanbi.org.za); for general information [see here](https://www.sanbi.org/garden/pretoria-national-botanical-garden/), or [go here](https://www.sanbi.org/sanbi-annual-membership/); Contact number: 012 002 5201 / 012 002 5200. **DM** *This story first appeared in our weekly*Daily Maverick 168*newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.* ![Image](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DM-27062025-001-scaled.jpg)