In the next year, KFC will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in South Africa. Since 1971, the famous chicken brand has opened 951 restaurants, with the very first KFC branch IN Orange Grove in Johannesburg. To celebrate this milestone, KFC invited Pat on Brands out to an exclusive event on Tuesday 1 December 2020 at Thesis Lifestyle in Mofolo, Soweto.
KFC was established by Colonel Sanders in 1940 and has since cemented itself as one of the most well-known fast-food companies in the country.
KFC turns 50
To celebrate their 50th birthday KFC has launched a new campaign under the title, #letsgo5050. From 1 December to 20 December 2020, KFC customers will receive 50% off their order on selected menu items in-store, at the drive-through, or on the KFC app.
Marketing Director at KFC South Africa, Suhayl Limbada said, “Celebrating 50 years in South Africa with local fans is a big deal for us and so we’re going big the only way we know how – by sharing it with Mzansi.”
Furthermore, KFC has collaborated with two South African brands as part of the #Letsgo5050 campaign. Tapping into South Africa’s unique culture and really drawing on inspiration from local talent.
KFC X Yay Abe
To commemorate half a century in South Africa, KFC has partnered with Cape Town-based illustrator and graphic designer, Russell Abrahams to create three iconic, Proudly South African, limited-edition bucket designs.
The 9 piece Heritage Bucket: created for the people of KFC. From the Colonel to the staff and employees, as well as the fans who have supported the brand for almost 50 years.
The 15 piece Goodness Bucket: encapsulates everything that has to do with happiness. The goodness of brand as well as the food.
The 21 Sharing Bucket: celebrates the culture of family and community. The idea of gathering around a table and sharing a special moment together.
“My intention was to celebrate and illustrate the combined heritage and growth of both KFC and South Africa over the past 50 years while also bringing to life that good feeling of people coming together to share good times and great meals,” said Abrahams, “When people share a meal around these buckets in December, I want them to feel what I felt when I was creating them: hope, joy, and pride in South Africa.”
KFC X Thesis Lifestyle
KFC has also gone into collaboration with local fashion brand Thesis Lifestyle, founded by Wandile Zondo and Galebowe Mahlatsi to create a limited-edition collection of KFC inspired streetwear. The collection features bespoke designs on T-shirts, vests, tote bags, and bucket hats. All celebrating local culture and streetwear.
“Bringing together the original style of streetwear in Soweto, with the original flavor and flare of KFC, we want this range to tell a story that salutes the South African people of KFC, from their thousands of employees to their millions of fans,” said Zondo of Thesis, “Thesis is more than just a brand, it’s a lifestyle, and the same is true about KFC, it is a part of our culture.”
The collection will go on sale from 1 December 2020 and 50% of the proceeds will go towards the KFC Add Hope Foundation.
“The collaboration with Thesis is a perfect fit for us as KFC values ‘originality’ – in our products and our partnerships – and Thesis aim to inspire people to ‘Define Themselves’, as their brand slogan,” said Limbada.
He added that the collection is made for individuals who are inspired by street culture, and the collection is the ideal way to celebrate how KFC has become a part of everyday life in South Africa over the past 50 years.
