Although it attempted to capitalise on “Reconciliation Day” by inviting feuding celebrities to kiss and make up, fast-food chain Nando’s was left rejected when not one of the invited feuding teams took up its offer.
Nando’s, well known for its flame-grilled fare, has made its mark on the advertising industry with its witty campaigns that have kept South Africans entertained.
December 16 may now serve as the unofficial beginning of the festive season, as South Africans take full advantage of all the public holidays in December to maximise their leave. But the day came into effect in 1994 to foster a culture of reconciliation in the country.
Nando’s released a series of funny adverts aimed at big names including singer AKA, radio host and television presenter Bonang Matheba and choreographer Somizi as the chain tried to foster a feeling of reconciliation by getting celebrity “feuds” to end and invited the celebrities to various shopping centres to reconcile over a Nando’s meal.
.@leratokganyago in the spirit of Reconciliation Day,we’ve reserved a special table for you and @iamtbotouch #NoBeef https://t.co/vDf6glT0y6 pic.twitter.com/0FwxkCR9uh
— NandosSA (@NandosSA) December 15, 2016
.@RealBlackCoffee in the spirit of Reconciliation Day,@NandosSA has reserved a table for you & @AKAWorldwide #NoBeef https://t.co/QCHvVwQxUk pic.twitter.com/vkkTo3nxd0
— NandosSA (@NandosSA) December 15, 2016
.@AKAWorldwide we've reserved a table for you & @RealBlackCoffee to break bread this Reconciliation Day #NoBeef https://t.co/QCHvVwQxUk pic.twitter.com/qJTau34xSL
— NandosSA (@NandosSA) December 15, 2016
.@iamtbotouch in the spirit of Reconciliation Day,we’ve reserved a special table for you and @leratokganyago #NoBeef https://t.co/vDf6glT0y6 pic.twitter.com/EUuochpd2v
— NandosSA (@NandosSA) December 15, 2016
.@somizi we’ve reserved a special table for you and @bonang_m to break bread this Reconciliation Day #NoBeef https://t.co/6oCGxfEQPv pic.twitter.com/NVRtSLZ17S
— NandosSA (@NandosSA) December 14, 2016
.@bonang_m we’ve reserved a special table for you & @somizi to break bread this Reconciliation Day #NoBeef https://t.co/6oCGxfEQPv pic.twitter.com/jKzhFCbdZF
— NandosSA (@NandosSA) December 14, 2016
Unfortunately, none of the VIPs showed up, much to Nando’s dismay.
Shem. We wish our special guests had come. But let’s keep on firing up the spirit of reconciliation on this special day. #NoBeef
— NandosSA (@NandosSA) December 16, 2016
@NandosSA patiently waiting for @bonang_m & @somizi #NoBeef #NandosSA #Reconcile pic.twitter.com/lofoQ5lj8U
— Anya (@MsReeve) December 16, 2016
Perhaps they prefer beef over chicken after all.