Nando’s made it clear that their business relationship with Gareth Cliff has been terminated, following recent outrage over the radio broadcaster’s racism comments.
Nando’s statement: Gareth Cliff has been dropped
Cliff’s conduct during a recent Burning Platform episode with guests, OneSA activist Mudzuli Rakhivhane and Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen, left a bitter taste in the mouths of the show’s main sponsor.
In a statement released on Saturday, the fast-food giant confirmed its decision to “terminate our sponsorship of ‘The Burning Platform’ with immediate effect.”
Nando’s categorically aligned with the view, shared by many, that the comedian “failed to create an environment where free speech was possible by talking over Mudzuli Rakhivhane and dismissing her view whilst not allowing her to adequately express it.”
“This is highly disappointing to Nando’s and at odds with the reasons that we originally entered into our sponsorship of ‘The Burning Platform’ more than five years ago,” the fast food chain added.
Cliff goes dark amid social media backlash
Days have past with many South Africans still reminded of the distasteful ignorance depicted in that viral video, where Cliff was heard talking down Rakhivhane’s encounters with racism as a woman of colour.
When they try to talk over you and tell you that your experiences as a black woman in South Africa do not matter🤦🏽‍♀️. Racism is structural and even operates at a municipal level. The literal definition of black lives don’t matter. 💀 pic.twitter.com/i2KcVzjcCd
— Mudzuli Rakhivhane (@mudzy_r) October 22, 2021
With heckles growing for the comedian to face further sanction, Cliff has yet to resurface to address the elephant in the room. In it’s statement, Nando’s implored Cliff and his radio station to “address this with their audiences as a matter of priority.”
But, at least at this time, it seems Cliff has chosen the high road.