Staying because we ain't chicken

“South Africa has had 14 fantastic years since the dawn of democracy,” says Ahmed Tilly, creative director of Black River FC “No wonder that the dawn of 2008 with its interest, petrol and food price hikes, combined with load shedding and our national soccer team's less than bright Cup of Nations performance is turning us, well... a little blue!

“Humour and positivity”

“But, as a country we have been through difficult times before and we emerged as a stronger nation... we will do it again. And we should deal with our problems in a way that only South Africans can: with humour and positivity.

“That is exactly the point of the two commercials created for Nando's. By poking good-natured fun at our joint situation, the nation connects. The soccer and talk show scenarios used in the respective commercials speak to everyone. Both spots are executed in an over-the-top manner, giving people the opportunity to have a good chuckle. After all, no matter how difficult life gets, we can always brighten up our day with the taste of Nando's feel good flame grilled Peri-Peri chicken.”

Nando's senior brand manager Guy Carter has no doubt that South Africa will once again emerge as winners: “It is still the best country in the world and collectively we can prove it. We hope that these commercials help to lift the mood of all South Africans and spark a move toward positive action during a negative period.”

Winning chance

“And if nothing else works,” concludes Carter cheekily, “the thought of standing a chance to win R100 000^* by simply buying any variation of feel good Nando's flame grilled Per-Peri chicken (starting with a ¼ chicken), should brighten up the life of any South African!”

PS Also keep your eyes peeled for a new and improved “Third Umpire” column in Business Day... It is soon to be the “Bird Umpire.”

^*Go to www.nandos.co.za for details. Terms and conditions apply.

Click here to view the ad. (2MB)