Ankia Pepler, 27, and Stefan Prinsloo, 30, met through Koer, South Africa's most popular Afrikaans dating app, and despite being over 200km apart, their relationship has blossomed. Initially, Ankia had expressed that she would never marry a farmer or live on a farm, but her life took an unexpected turn when she sent Stefan a message on a typical Friday evening. Their story is a testament to the power of taking chances in love.
Ankia was drawn to Stefan's profile picture, which showed him reacting enthusiastically at his brother's wedding. She found his energetic response endearing and decided to send him a message. Stefan found Ankia attractive, but it was their conversations that kept him engaged. They started chatting on December 20, 2024, and after weeks of exchanging messages and calls, Stefan suggested they meet halfway at a restaurant outside Bronkhorstspruit.
Their first meeting was a success, with Stefan arriving an hour early and Ankia being immediately drawn to him. He had brought a melted chocolate gift, which Ankia found charming. This moment marked the beginning of their relationship, and they quickly discovered that they complemented each other well. Stefan often encouraged Ankia to step out of her comfort zone, and she found herself enjoying his company.
Despite the distance between Pretoria and Groblersdal, the couple has made their relationship work. They see each other about twice a month and make time for each other. They use voice messages, long calls, and honest conversations to bridge the gap when physical meetings are not possible. Stefan has expressed his desire to marry Ankia, and she has started to envision a life on a farm, something she had previously ruled out.
Ankia has undergone significant changes, taking up activities like fishing and even wearing rubber boots. She has also started playing video games with Stefan, who enjoys gaming. Their differences have not been a barrier to their relationship; instead, they have found ways to accommodate each other. The couple's advice to others is to be open to possibilities and not dismiss potential partners based on distance or other factors.
Marteni Burger, director and head of communications at Koer, emphasizes the app's focus on user safety. Koer has implemented various measures to prevent fake profiles, scams, and catfishing. The app uses WhatsApp verification and facial recognition to ensure that users are genuine. Users can also report or block suspicious profiles, and Koer's team investigates these reports.
Burger advises users to exercise caution when interacting with others on the app, especially if someone is pushing for personal information or financial transactions. She encourages users to stay within the app's platform until they feel comfortable sharing personal details. Koer's goal is to create a safe and trustworthy environment for users to find love.
Key points
- The couple's relationship is a success story for Koer, showcasing the app's potential to bring people together despite distance and differences.
