As the country continues to recover from the unrest and violence experienced in July, Nando’s Pinecrest in KwaZulu-Natal has risen and invoked the flames of change by reopening on 8 September 2021 with a whole new look and an inspiring perspective.
According to Justine Cullinan, Nando’s GM Marketing: Brand Strategy and Communications,
“We are a brand that believes in the power of the South African spirit to overcome any hardship and persevere with strength and unity. Nando’s Pinecrest is a symbol of our commitment to embracing this spirit as one nation and one people.”
To add poignant power to PERi-PERi, Nando’s commissioned artist Nkoali Nawa, a participant of the Nando’s Art Initiative in partnership with Spier Arts Trust, to create an artwork in his signature charcoal style that proudly brings together the restored and revamped restaurant.
“We commissioned Nkoali because we believe in his artistic ability to translate the heart of the human condition. Artists often express the emotional heartbreak of a challenging existence. With Nkoali’s interpretation of the turmoil experienced, now forever part of our history, we feel a sense of hope, belonging and empathy that we could all use at this time,”
says Justine.
Initially a mineworker, Nkoali is passionate about the daily struggles that face impoverished South Africans.
Examples of his work depicts the harsh existence that mineworkers adapt to, as well as the plights of rural women whose husbands have relocated to the urban areas in search of work.
To document the everyday moment he aims to capture, Nkoali takes photographs and works from these images, telling their stories through his art.
In 2018 he was part of the Nando’s Creative Exchange programme culminating in a group exhibition called Rituals, at AVA Gallery, Cape Town and the Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival in Johannesburg.
His work is held in corporate collections globally, and now is the centrepiece of Nando’s Pinecrest.
Nkoali is excited to be given this opportunity to use his vision to help provide some perspective on what was a truly watershed moment in contemporary South African history.
“I am grateful to Nando’s for providing a platform where my work can help heal this nation and bridge the divide left by so much violence. I hope my work can provide the perspective that South Africans need as we strive to become one.”
Kirsty Niehaus, Nando’s Marketing Manager: Art Initiative says,
“We hope that this artwork will be viewed by the community as an acknowledgement for their collective efforts to help us rebuild. This is a celebration of our people and their spirit to not only endure but to overcome. This one is for you South Africa.”
Along with a new look, the reopening of Nando’s Pinecrest will bring with it a few local specials including the new Prego and chips for only R49. During the month of September, guests who buy this meal will get a free 300ml coke.