‘Spicy’ Pretoria north roadhouse billboard replaced

The “spicy” and controversial billboard advertising a roadhouse north of Pretoria has been replaced with a more “tasty” one following complaints by a local church, Rekord North reports.

There was a bit of a delay in changing the billboard due to the rain last week, but a new one has eventually gone up.

Kota Joe franchise in Pretoria North replaced the billboard on Thursday.

“At least this blondie you can take home,” the franchise said after the new billboard went up.

“We were unable to put up the billboard earlier, because of the weather.”

Earlier this year, the advertising regulations board ruled the advertising board by the Kota Joe franchise be removed following protests by the Reformed Church in Annlin.

The image on the billboard was deemed “suggestive”.

On 22 November, the advertising regulation board ordered the advertiser to remove the billboard from the roadhouse on Lavender Road in Sinoville within two weeks.

Kota Joe initially denied the allegations by the church and argued not all advertising would appeal to all people, saying they have received several compliments on the billboard.

Kota Joe operations manager Lindsey Lottering said they pursued a “fresh, unique and different approach” to their advertising and have used the same advertising in all their roadhouses and to date have not received any complaint about the type of advertising used.

“We have only ever received compliments and are well known for our advertising. The advert does not encourage any activity that may harm a woman or child in any way and has no reference to or disrespect any religious beliefs. It only shows a woman enjoying a ‘Kota Joe meal”.

We do not feel in any way this is derogatory nor does this degrade a woman whatsoever as you imply,” she said in a letter to the church.

“Our approach to our advertising was never intended to offend anyone but, unfortunately, this will appeal to all.”.

The advertising regulations body said: “Members of the ARB are advised not to accept the advertisement in its current format. The advertiser is requested to remove the advertisement within two weeks.”