Share

DStv, M-Net, e.tv also ban Nando's ad

Cape Town – MultiChoice's DStv channels and M-Net, as well as e.tv, have now all jumped on the bandwagon to ban the latest Nando's TV commercial which delivers a strong message to South Africans about xenophobia.

DStv, e.tv and M-Net, which previously aired the new advert but which the SABC banned, all say they will suddenly no longer show it.

DStv said the advert "could be deemed offensive" and e.tv claims that the commercial "trivialised" xenophobia.

"Whilst we understand that the commercial is a parody, we are not convinced that all our viewers will interpret it in the way intended," Chris Hitchings, CEO of DStv Media Sales told Channel24.

DStv Media Sales is the commercial advertising arm which books TV commercials for MultiChoice's DStv channels and M-Net.

"We have a responsibility not to broadcast material that could be deemed offensive to our viewers and we have exercised our rights in this regard."

Strong message

e.tv also ceased airing the Nando's ad from Tuesday in which basically all of South Africa's residents disappear, leaving a lone Khoisan who says he was in South Africa first.

The advert, which showcases two new products on Nando's "diverse" menu, has a strong message against xenophobia and says the company celebrates diversity in all its forms.

"e.tv decided last night to suspend the airing of the Nando's xenophobia advertisement," Monde Twala, e.tv's head of channels told Channel24 on Tuesday. 

"e.tv respects creativity and the channel has previously flighted advertisements that have been rejected by other broadcasters.

"In evaluating the advertisement, e.tv came to the conclusion that it trivialised xenophobia which remains a sensitive and volatile issue in South Africa. e.tv reserves the right, at any time, to withdraw a commercial from the channel on grounds of taste or legality," he said.

Watch the Nando's diversity ad here.



We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE