So, it seems like South Africa is still brainstorming on how to make next summer’s World Cup a success. In some areas they come up with new and creative ides, while on other fields they have apparently been caught by a serious lack of imagination. I mean, long distance trains morfed into hooligan jails - I like it: good thinking. It sounds to me like a fair solution to a lack-of-prison-cells problem. Ideally, the train should be ready on it’s tracks to England where the hooligans are likely to come from in the first place (I apologize for my use of stereotypes).
But South Africa’s head people aren’t always on top of their game. Today, they launched a new logo. A logo they proudly announce that they have spent 18 months on creating! Here is a quote from www.sa2010.gov.za:
The new logo is the result of an 18-month South Africa Alignment project, led by South African Tourism and the International Marketing Council, to align Brand SA and ensure that national, provincial and local government co-operate to ensure that the “look and feel” of South Africa is the same overseas.
Ok, if you still haven’t seen the logo, please hold on for one more moment.
“The approval of the new logo marks the beginning of a new era in nation branding as South African entities will now go out to the world under a single, colourful, dynamic logo and positioning,”
So, what is this logo that took South African Tourism and the International Marketing Council 18 months to make, and that marks the beginning of a new era in nation branding?
Click here to see the new marketing logo for South Africa.
Are you serious? I know, a logo will hardly ever be an awe inspiring site. But still, this? Is this the marking of a “new era in nation branding”?
Though, everything is not hopeless. One great product of South Africa Tourism is their new website (which contains several logos and ads for South Africa that look way better than this new logo).
What do you think? Share your opinions below!
