A proper South African garage pie has ignited a conversation among SA expats in Qatar
Image: Supplied
A group of South African expats have found an unexpected sense of community in a time of tension and uncertainty in the Middle East
Their bonding agent, was a simple yet beloved item, a pie. What started as a casual message in a WhatsApp group, “Guys… I found Pieman Pies at the Lulu’s”, has turned into support network as they navigate life thousands of miles away from home.
From that moment, the lives of many began to intertwine over a shared nostalgic reverence for what they call a “proper garage pie”, referring to pies usually sold inconvenience stores at fuel stations in South Africa.
That led to the formation of a WhatsApp group called “SA Expats Banter (& Info & Pies)”.
South Africans are helping each other to find a Pieman's Pie in Doha, Qatar
Image: Supplied
A former Durbanite, now teaching in Doha, reflected on how the seemingly trivial discussion about "proper garage pies" ignited a shared camaraderie.
"That message, 'Guys… I found Pieman Pies at the Lulu’s,' travelled through the group faster than a Springbok winger on a breakaway." Within minutes the chat exploded with people asking questions of where, send location, are they frozen? how many are left?"
"One legend even admitted he went pie hunting between interceptions, which the group collectively agreed was a perfectly reasonable risk for a proper pie," said the woman, who did not want to be named.
She said the conversations were then encompassing everything from heated debates about the correct way to fry hake to discussions about seasonal cravings for Appletiser and Grapetiser.
Yet, inexplicably, every chat would find its way back to pies.
She said during the 3am interceptions, when sleep disappeared and anxiety crept in, the group was at it again.
"Messages start flowing, people checking in on each other, chatting nonsense just to keep the peace and steady the nerves.
"People would offer recommendations of things to take to help one sleep, while someone will crack a joke or send a meme. And suddenly the night feels a little less heavy," she said.
She said what started as a pie hunt has quietly become something far more meaningful.
"In a foreign country, far from home, we don’t feel alone. It feels like having 200 slightly chaotic siblings scattered across Qatar, always ready to show up, whether it’s to help calm anxiety, share a laugh, or track down the last frozen steak and kidney pie in Doha. They have created a sense of security for me, especially being here as a single person. It feels like I have people to reach out to. Someone is always awake to lend support.
"And one day, when this madness is over, the promise stands that there will be a massive South African style family braai," she said.
Marc Williams, 34, from Pretoria who has been living in Qatar for six years, said the pie banter Whatsapp group took over the main expat group that was formed.
"A few of us were chatting in the main South African expat WhatsApp group about the things we miss most from home. As expected, the usual favourites came up – biltong, braais, melktert. But very quickly one thing stood out above the rest, the garage pie.
"The problem was that the pie conversation had completely taken over the main expat group. . Between the jokes, stories and memories, important messages were starting to get buried. What started as a bit of fun about pies quickly grew into something more. The group became a place where people could have a laugh, share memes and talk about the things that remind us of home.
Williams, who works as a teacher in Qatar, said in light of the current political climate, maintaining a sense of humour has been crucial.
"Sometimes things feel uncertain and a bit surreal. Having a group where people can chat nonsense about pies, share jokes and check in on each other has brought a sense of normality back into everyday life.
"What makes it even more special is that most of the people in the group have never actually met in person. Yet somehow, through shared culture, humour and a love for South African food, something genuine has formed. People check in on one another, share useful information and make sure everyone is safe and doing alright. In many ways it captures the spirit of Ubuntu," said Williams.
Despite many members never having met in person, the connection fostered by shared memories and humour has forged an authentic bond.
"You can take a South African out of South Africa, but you cannot take South Africa out of a South African.
"There are already talks about everyone eventually meeting up once things in the region settle down a bit. For now, the Pie Group continues to do what it set out to do without even trying, bring people together," he said.
As the middle east conflict edges into the third week, life for locals and foreigners have been severely impacted.
Williams said he struggled with his mental health for a while, especially being far from home and dealing with everything happening around.
"I would be lying if I said I was not terrified. The first few days were especially difficult. When something like this begins, your mind tends to run ahead of itself and the uncertainty can feel overwhelming.
"What helped settle those nerves quite quickly was seeing how firmly the government had the situation under control. The communication was constant and clear, and there was a strong sense of confidence in how the country was defending itself. More than anything, you could see that the priority was the safety of everyone here," he said.
He said as the days passed and the situation continued, a sense of normality slowly started to return.
"Now whenever an alert comes through, the group suddenly comes alive. Messages start flying, memes get shared and someone inevitably posts a picture of a proper South African meal.
"It might sound strange, but the laughter starts almost immediately. For a moment things feel normal again. More than anything, it reminds you that you are not alone. It is that typical South African way, stand together, have a laugh and remind each other that we will get through it," said Williams.