Johannesburg, 4 August 2020: Brand South Africa recently supported rugby icon, Makazole Mapimpi in his action-orientated campaign to raise awareness and a call to action against the scourge of gender-based violence in South Africa. The #Mapimpi67 campaign, launched on 18 July 2020 (Mandela Day), calls on men to record video messages and help fight gender-based violence. Regrettably, there was an inclusion of a self-confessed perpetrator in one of the videos. This goes against our values as an organisation, and Brand South Africa would like to unequivocally apologise to every woman in South Africa for this oversight.
In achieving a coherent Nation Brand, we cannot turn a blind eye to the on-going acts of lawlessness and violence against women and strongly condemn anything that seeks to break down the foundation it collectively took us to build. The video and all affiliation to it has since been removed. We vow to protect and prioritise victims of gender-based violence, as we strive to build an improved South Africa.
We will continue drive and to support initiatives that enable citizens to play their part as we combat gender-based violence.
Notes to the Editor
About Brand South Africa
Brand South Africa is the official marketing agency of South Africa, with a mandate to build the country’s brand reputation, in order to improve its global competitiveness. Its aim is also to build pride and patriotism among South Africans, in order to contribute to social cohesion and nation brand ambassadorship.
For more information on Brand South Africa, log on to brandsouthafrica.com or like facebook.com/BrandSouthAfrica and follow @BrandSouthAfrica on Instagram and Brand_SA on twitter for regular updates.
About Play Your Part
Play Your Part is a nationwide programme created to inspire, empower and celebrate active citizenship in South Africa. It aims to lift the spirit of our nation by inspiring all South Africans to contribute to positive change, become involved and start doing. A nation of people who care deeply for one another and the environment in which they live is good for everyone.
Play Your Part is aimed at all South Africans – from corporates and individuals, NGOs and government, churches and schools, from the young to the not-so-young. It aims to encourage South Africans to use some of their time, money, skills or goods to contribute to a better future for all.