26 years ago, South Africa signed into action its current Constitution. A constitution made to liberate and serve the people, propelling the freedoms we so richly deserve today. To recognize the importance of the constitution, and to highlight the sense of community and diversity enshrined within it, Nando’s launched the “Make the Table Bigger” campaign, supported by a competition that saw South Africans exploring the breadths of our beautiful country. Today, we are thrilled to announce that the freedom promoted by the captivating ‘we the people’ preamble to the constitution, has made one deserving winner’s dream a reality.
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‘Make the Table Bigger’ encouraged young consumers to venture to Nando’s outlets outside their districts, hometowns and even provinces. The “chase” prompted them to download the Nando’s app and visit as many different Nando’s locations as possible, collecting “passport stamps” and enjoying Mzansi’s most loved flame-grilled chicken in different settings, with people from all across the country. The winner, with the most collected stamps, would win the ultimate dream trip to the loud and proud US of A, to rep South Ah and the locally born brand as it expands even further afield.
The campaign started with an Amazing Race-like passport chase in July, which took the participating teams to different iconic sites around Johannesburg, including Constitutional Hill, The exercise was implemented as a means to showcase the beauty and diversity of Egoli, as a mere taste of what would follow for participating consumers.
The youth-focused campaign drew a lot of attention and entries as our local born-frees vied to win a coveted spot on the seven-day all-expenses paid trip to Washington DC and Texas.
Joburg-based Khwezi Madlala pipped the competition in a rather spectacular way, coming out tops ahead of second runner up, Lerato Thaole. Together, the two banked a staggering 20,000 kilometres travelled across the country. Khwezi alone visited 53 different Nando’s casa’s, literally from Amamzimtoti to Zeerust and everywhere in between.
December 9th saw Khwezi being duly celebrated at the historic Constitution Hill, where Nando’s hosted the’ Make the Table Bigger’ winner announcement and send-off party on the eve of the anniversary of the signing of the constitution. A fitting end to a journey that now takes her thousands of miles across the world to spread her infectious enthusiasm for her country, her travel passion, and of course, Nando’s.
The event was attended by esteemed guests including Nando’s founder Robert Brozin, Nando’s Chief Marketing Officer, Doug Place and Khwezi’s closest homies. Doug highlighted the importance of embracing our heritage and the beauty of our culture, words that rang true to all attending, young and old. Attendees got together to co-create a beautiful and delicious farmers table spread, which they enjoyed together alongside the sweet sounds of Sio, who serenaded the crowd with her unique and melodic vibe.
Both Khwezi and Lerato will be headed off to the US of A in early 2023, a trip which is sure to bring fire to the Gram and the unique spirit of Mzansi to our friends across the seas.
Image Courtesy: Supplied