VODACOM ONION

I HAVE fond memories of Vodacom “yebo gogo” adverts. They were funny, a pleasure to watch and conveyed clearly the message of the value of a good cellphone.

But why, please tell me why, do they now use a female with a most annoying laugh and actions to cheapen their product and tarnish their image?

I agree with your reader Claire that the laughing hyena is most irritating and deserves a bag of rotten Onions.

That ad forces me to turn my TV off every time it is flighted.

Doug Lynch

The advert is a true story and not “based on a true story” as you have alluded.

Olandi is a real person who sent an e-mail to Sanral to share her experience of how Given Chauke, Sanral’s Rapid Response employee, had helped her in a desperate situation. The re-enactment was shot on the actual location with the actual people, not actors.

It is disturbing that editors of a respected newspaper like yours would mock a person like Olandi and describe her as “wooden” just to further your own agenda.

As you rightly put it, “the bakkie is emblazoned with Sanral branding” because it is a Sanralowned vehicle. Olandi could not have been happier to see that vehicle come to her rescue.

I am sure you have seen them on the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project, ready to assist road users in distress, and at the scene of accidents.

This time, Mr Editor, Sanral told a very good story of caring, humanity and genuinely being there in a time of real need. You deserve the large Onion. Thank you for watching.

Vusi Mona General manager of communications, Sanral