Nando’s is in a league of its own when it comes to producing engaging and side-splitting advertisements. Its campaigns often take comical jabs at the blunders of the high and the mighty. There was one on rugby player Joost van der Westhuizen and his alleged night of passion with a stripper. ANC Youth League president Julius Malema made himself an obvious target with his reckless and inane political statements.
Sylvester Chauke, Nando’s national marketing manager, is the man credited with these engaging adverts. He is no novice.
Before joining Nando’s, he worked with established advertising brands such as FCB and Ogilvy. He is a graduate of the former Rand Afrikaans University (now the University of Johannesburg), where he also lectured, as well as Varsity College, the AAA School of Advertising and Bond University. Chauke believes in the power of laughter: “We need to laugh at ourselves,” he says.
How old are you?
Twenty-eight and I’m loving it!
Where did you grow up?
Protea North in Soweto, Gauteng.
Which schools did you attend?
I started primary school in 1986 at Leresche Primary. In 1993 I went to Altem High and Nghunghunyani Secondary in Soweto, and later to Hoërskool Vorentoe. I did my tertiary schooling in 1998 at the former Rand Afrikaans University.
Who was your favourite teacher?
Mrs Mabaso.
Why were you fond of her?
Mrs Mabaso embodied the energy that really inspired me to do better at all times. She made me want to excel in all my subjects. She was strict, but she made me want to overachieve because I valued what she thought.
I believe this instilled a work ethic that never allowed me to settle for “just making it”. I wanted to be the best and I worked hard at it. I always felt proud when my books came back with “excellent” on them. I loved the fact that she used a red pen and it was clear I was achieving. I enjoyed school because of that.
Do you still have contact with her?
Sadly, I have no contact with her. I tried to track her down on Facebook and Friend with no luck. I think she may have relocated.
What were your favourite subjects and why?
I loved English because it was a subject that I identified with. It was a subject that I could learn after school by watching television and reading books at the library.
I could practise a lot of what I learned during English at all times. It seemed relevant and I was using English everywhere. Some of my family got irritated because I couldn’t stop speaking it.
What are the qualities of a good teacher?
A good teacher is inspiring in a very simple way: a good teacher teaches not only the subject but also imparts some values that become profound and useful in the real world.
Good teachers are envied by students. I always wanted to be like Mrs Mabaso because she was more than a teacher to me — she was a mentor.
What are the things a teacher should never do or say?
A teacher should never criticise or embarrass students in front of others. I believe there is nothing more powerful than being called aside and treated with respect while being rebuked. Teachers can sometimes be judgmental.
What message do you have for South African teachers?
Students pick up a lot from the way you, as a teacher, behave. We are more in tune with what is happening than teachers sometimes think. We can see when there is favouritism, unfair treatment and so on. Things do not have to be said, but can be felt.
Try as much as possible to be the best teacher and person you can be. It is amazing how much more respect and honour you will get just by being the best at being truly you.