Nando’s pulls ‘Last Dictator Standing’ ad, issues statement

Nando’s has pulled its tongue-in-cheek television advertisement called “The Last Dictator” in after threats to the safety of its staff and customers in Zimbabwe. This is the grilled peri-peri chicken chain’s official statement printed in The Sunday Times yesterday:

“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.”

The advertisement has been hugely popular and quickly went viral on YouTube. In Hotel & Restaurant’s online poll on its website last week, some 92% of respondents answered “Yes, it’s open season if you’re a political figure, especially a dictator!” to the question: “Do you believe brands should be allowed to poke fun at political leaders in adverts?”

As the furore around the imminent passing of the questionable Protection of State Information Bill in South Africa grows, these questions need to be debated. Let us know how you think keeping secrets from the public in any country will affect your hospitality or tourism business.