Inside Look at Springboks Braai 2.0

Meet D’arcy Whelan, a second year Art History student, and Nicole Pretorious, a second year Management student. These ladies are the masterminds behind the Springboks South African Society, which has hit St Andrews these last two years. The Braai came back to town for Round 2 at the Balgrove Larder and helped support the Non-Violence Project.

Before the shenanigans began I was able to get an interview with the dynamic duo who run the organisation…

To start off, two South Africans in St Andrews meeting each other and starting a society… HOW?

Nicole: Our mums have been best friends forever so we met through them when we were about 14 and have been inseperable ever since!

D’arcy: When I came to visit St Andrews the weather was pissing down with rain but I phoned Nicole and told her we have to come here.

That’s really cool, what was the inspiration behind the society? Were you homesick?

*Both Laugh*

Nicole: Definitely not, we were like, “we love our country and we need to party so lets have a good time!”

D’arcy: We really wanted to get a good close group of people together and put an event our friends would remember while here at St Andrews.

So what exactly is a Braai? What does it consist of?

D’arcy: It’s a traditional South African BBQ that usually takes place every Sunday. It’s a time that we fry some meat and get together with family and friends.

Nicole: We were able to create our own Springboks shots which is a mixture of minty Creme de Menthe and Amarulla which is a fermented fruit that elephants eat to get drunk! We were also able to get Eden Brewery to make a special edition of Springboks beer which is really nice.

Nice! Now I know you sold out in a matter of days this year. Would you consider moving to a larger venue?

Nicole: Definitely not, a Braai is supposed to be small and the venue we have now is amazing with incredible food. It’s all about quality!

You two created this society from nothing last year; have you make any new expansions to the team?

D’arcy: We have one new first year named Dan who is super keen. He is perfect but unfortunately he is running the buses right now but next year we will make sure he can party with us!

You were involved in bringing Goldfish this year which I still rave about, what can we expect next year?

D’arcy: We have a secret event next year that involves bringing more South African culture to St Andrews so stay tuned!

To finish off, how would you describe Springboks to someone?

Nicole & D’arcy: LET’S GET RURAL!!!

Images courtesty of Lightbox Creative, Springboks