Nando's ad standing down from TV

Nando's South Africa, in a statement issued on Thursday, 1 December 2011, has said that it will no longer air its ad "Last Dictator Standing" as part of its festive season campaign on television: "We feel strongly that this is the prudent step to take in a volatile climate and believe that no TV commercial is worth risking the safety of Nando's staff and customers."

The controversial spot began flighting a week ago and has gone viral online across the world. It will, however, remain available on YouTube.

Reads the statement: "Nando's South Africa has been closely monitoring the reaction to our "Last Dictator Standing" television commercial, currently running in South Africa. We've noted with concern the political reaction emanating out of Zimbabwe, including perceived threats against Nando's Zimbabwe's management, staff and customers.

"Nando's South Africa takes these threats very seriously and will regrettably no longer flight the TV commercial as part of our festive season campaign. We feel strongly that this is the prudent step to take in a volatile climate and believe that no TV commercial is worth risking the safety of Nando's staff and customers.

"Nando's South Africa remains committed to an advertising philosophy built around social commentary that starts conversations between people."

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