“Nando’s is of the view that Gareth Cliff failed to create an environment where free speech was possible” Nando SA says as it terminates sponsorship of The Burning Platform.

The original home of the legendary flame-grilled chicken, Nandos has released a statement following the episode of The Burning Platform which was held on the 21st October 2021.

The last episode of The Burning Platform saw the host, Gareth Cliff rudely dismissing the opinion and lived experience of a fellow panelist named, Mudzuli Rakhivhane South Africa’s national spokeswoman who was also joined by Federal Leader of the Democratic Alliance, John Steenhuisen.

In the light of the discriminating behaviour of Gareth Cliff and the conversation, his attitude has been generating on social media. Nando’s have released tweets and also a statement where the South African brand stated categorically that they take “the right to freedom of speech very seriously.”

We know that you know what happened in the exchange between the panelists on The Burning Platform on 21st October 2021. We are a proudly South African brand that takes the right to freedom of speech very seriously. [1/2]

— NandosSA (@NandosSA) October 22, 2021

We do not, and will never, invalidate anyone’s experiences or condone racism in any form. We are taking this serious matter under review. [2/2]

— NandosSA (@NandosSA) October 22, 2021

In another statement made public, Nando terminates the sponsorship of The Burning Platform.

pic.twitter.com/ZKTgsiC0fo

— NandosSA (@NandosSA) October 23, 2021