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PEOPLE will no longer see names appearing on Coke cans.
This is after a single can with the XiTsonga word “Xitombo” — which means vagina — went viral on Twitter last week.
Coke said it is ending the “Share-A-Coke” promotion events after this can incident.
The company came under serious fire and there were massive calls from social media for the company to correct its mistake.
Coca-Cola explained that the campaign had three elements which included digital activation and engaging with consumers to personalise their own Coke cans.
“The main element of the campaign was to place approximately 700 of South Africa’s most popular names on Coca-Cola cans and bottles, which were sold in stores,” Coke said.
“These names were identified in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs and Stats SA.
“The names spread across the 11 official languages and were sent to two professional linguists for phonetic treatment, reviewed by various internal approval teams and finally printed, distributed and sold in the market.
“The Xitsonga word that led to this incident was not one of these names identified by the Department of Home Affairs, nor was the can marketed or sold by Coca-Cola.”
Coca-Cola acknowledged that the can contained the offensive word.
“We are very disappointed that the controls we put in place could be taken advantage of in this manner.”
“As of Wednesday 6th February, we have discontinued both the consumer-led and digital elements of the campaign,” Coca-Cola said.
“The activation will continue for the month of February, but only approved, pre-programmed words and names will be printed on cans.– Online
Blessing Chizhande
Online Reporter