Spur advert misleads South Africans

Posted on June 6th, 2007 by Richard Catto 10,523 views

Spur Steak Ranches is advertising a “Disney Holiday Adventure” competition. To enter you must order a R40 meal at any of their restaurant franchises. You must consume the meal in the restaurant, no takeaways.

The prize, of which few details are available even on Spur’s web site, is a family holiday to Disneyland in Florida, United States.

I’m curious as to how Spur is going to solve the problem of getting a South African family into the United States.

Any overseas trip is an expensive undertaking. What exactly does Spur’s prize cover? Accommodation? Spending money? Airport transfers? Meals? How many people? Is a family represented by 2 adults and up to 2 children?

Secondly, obtaining a visa to enter the United States is extremely difficult. South Africa does not enjoy visa waiver status with the US. Even though we allow US citizens into our country without a visa, they do not reciprocate.

Obtaining a US tourist visa costs over R1000. Just calling to make an appointment for an interview with a US Consular official costs R95. The visa is $100, and there are other expenses (e.g. couriering the visa back to the applicant, photographs etc.). Will Spur be covering these costs?

In addition to the cost, the US grants tourist visas only to South Africans who can satisfy them that they intend returning to this country and they must possess enough spending money to cover the duration of their trip. Having good employment and owning fixed assets are almost basic requirements. Having family in SA is another. People of limited means are unlikely to be granted a US tourist visa.

The US also does not admit anyone who is HIV positive, so a medical exam is also required – another cost.

South Africans with a criminal record will not get a visa either.

The US Consular officers are not obliged to issue a visa, even if someone meets all the requirements. If the person does not look “right” to them, they can decline without giving reasons. Furthermore, a person with a US tourist visa may still be refused entry by custom officials at the point of entry at their discretion.

It’s easy to see that many, if not most, people entering Spur’s competition will not be able to obtain US tourist visas. They may be disqualified for any number of reasons, but most of them will fail to qualify simply because they’re too poor.

It also seems likely to me that many people who are enticed to enter Spur’s competition by ordering the R40 meal may be blissfully unaware of all these problems surrounding obtaining US tourist visas for their family.

Neither Spur’s advert nor their web site offers much information on this competition.

What alternative prize is Spur offering, if any?

By offering this prize, isn’t Spur discriminating against HIV positive persons and persons of limited means among others?

Isn’t Spur’s advert misleading because they are unable to guarantee delivery (of the advertised prize) to many who enter?

The US routinely refuses entry to South Africans, even those with visas:
Top SA judge had US visa problems
Winnie Mandela was recently denied entry to Canada
SA academic’s Professor Adam Habib denied entry
Tokyo Sexwale and Sidney Mufamadi (African National Congress Activists) were denied entry in 2003
Rasool body-searched ‘because he is Muslim’

Filed under denied entry into US, Holiday Adventure, misleading, Spur Steak Ranches |

29 Responses to “Spur advert misleads South Africans”

1. Richard Catto Says:
   June 6th, 2007 at 08:47

   I suppose some bright spark will be tempted to tell me that Canada is not the United States.

   Don’t be tempted to do that.

   I included that example purely to demonstrate that obtaining a visa to enter a foreign country is not guaranteed.

   The United States is extremely wary of who they let into their country these days.

   It is almost a futile exercise for any African of limited means to convince a US Consular official that they intend returning.

   Americans believe that, given the opportunity, almost everyone wants to be in America.

2. citizenc Says:
   June 6th, 2007 at 09:29

   My fond memories of the Spur in Gardens circa 1978 – 1984 are long faded. I haven’t gone near a Spur in years as I’m convinced it’s a massive cover-up.

   That cheddamelt sauce can only be toxic waste from developed countries that’s being secretly and very cleverly disposed of through the digestive tracts of naive diners.

   Soon there’ll be no more race issues in SA as we’ll all be glowing a sickly cheddamelt yellow

   Is Spur making a hidden fortune in forex?

3. Richard Catto Says:
   June 6th, 2007 at 13:03

   I don’t eat at The Spur anymore either.

   I’ve long grown bored of their menu. I prefer Steers burgers to theirs.

   And someone please tell me why South Africa allowed the abomination that is McDonalds into this country?

   Frankly, I don’t understand the South Africans who buy from McDonalds.

   They buying a vastly inferior product, and giving profits to an American company, when they can buy a better burger from Steers and support a local South African franchise.

   Let’s be Proudly South African and support our local economy!

4. Ann Says:
   June 6th, 2007 at 13:04

   Very good point. Have you addressed the matter with the Allen Ambor, founder and very much involved CEO of Spur? Their head office number is 021 462 2200. Would love to hear their response.

5. Richard Catto Says:
   June 6th, 2007 at 13:26

   I emailed Spur before publication but have not received any response so far.

6. Ceeps Says:
   June 6th, 2007 at 15:55

   I have had queries with Spur previously and they usually answer fairly promptly. When did you email them? I don’t think that they are trying to falsely advertise… Disney is for kids and Spur’s target market is kids. I’ve had the R40 meal at my local Spur (I am a grandfather and enjoy their promotions) & have received the information pamphlet that says its a holiday for 2 adults and 2 kids under 12 – there are also quite a few “terms and conditions” which all competitions of this nature have. I don’t think they want to discriminate, it’s just a fun place for kids to go to – I’ve been there with my grandchildren and it really was magical. Give Spur a break otherwise target all the other companies that run competitions with the prize being an overseas trip. I also don’t think that Allen Ambor would authorise a competition like this unless it has been fully researched. As CEO of the company, I’m sure everything goes past his desk. Let’s debate real issues like the rising fuel price, corrupt medical aids AND our economy that is making us ALL poor!

7. Richard Catto Says:
   June 6th, 2007 at 16:09

   Ceeps, good for you. Obviously you were able to get a US tourist visa.

   Do you think the US is going to give a tourist visa to anyone who wins Spur’s competition?

   Here’s the bottom line:

   Spur’s competition is really for rich whiteys like you, isn’t that right?

8. Michelle Says:
   June 7th, 2007 at 08:31

   I agree with Ceeps. Spur CEO would not have authorised a competition on this nature without having researched it fully. To add to this, I have recently been to the States and the Visa fee is R800 – not R1000 and I was not asked a thing about my HIV status. I did not have to have a medical examination and it is not THAT difficult to get a US Visa for a holiday. As long as you have your paperwork in order (which I am sure Spur will organise), you won’t have a problem.
   Stop making a mountain out of a molehill!

9. Jack Says:
   June 7th, 2007 at 09:11

   Good one for trying to be all controversial with the “whiteys” comment, Rich!

   However, I agree with the rich whitey:

   I believe Spur would have researched before advertising the competition. Besides, the rish vs poor issue wouldn’t feature as the winners would have the backing of the Spur’s financial resources.

   Also, None of the costs you have listed – which may seem astronomical to the average citizen – should be insurmountable for the Spur Group to cover. What do you estimate the total cost of the trip to be? R50 000, R100 000, R200 000, or maybe more? No problem! They would have a package in mind that fits their advertising budget.

   Don’t get me wrong – I also hate Spur food – I just don’t think the argument is as clever as it sounds. I have seen other companies offering overseas trips as prizes before and everyone knows that there are terms and conditions applicable.

   If someone is excluded because of a criminal record or HIV – that’s life, deal with it! A Spur competition isn’t the only thing that won’t work out for them in life… they have more important issues to deal with.

10. Chris Says:
    June 7th, 2007 at 10:39

    Sounds like someone is pissed off for not being able to get a US visa, now they are slagging everything US (and making Spur the co conspirator) -I wonder why they wanted the visa in the first place? Examine your motives pal.

11. Helen Says:
    June 7th, 2007 at 11:28

    If anyone thinks Allen Ambor personally signed off on the production of the advert I am afraid they would be wrong – the concept and execution would have been done by their advertising agency and approved by marketing personel – and getting prize winners into the states in virtually impossible I have tried!

12. Ceeps Says:
    June 7th, 2007 at 14:47

    I take offense to your racial statement – I am not a rich “whitey”, Richard. In fact, my holiday was also won. Yes, I did get a US visa and that was 3 months after 9/11 when security was very tight. I had to take my own spending money and pay for my own visa – as you are required to do in all competitions that “give away” a holiday overseas. So, spending R1000 on a visa is good value, if in return you are getting a holiday worth more than R50 000. If you read the terms and conditions of the competition (for that matter ANY competition) and you KNOW that you cannot afford it, then don’t enter – it’s as simple as that. Nobody is standing at the door of any Spur forcing you to eat the R40 meal and enter the competition….

13. Richard Catto Says:
    June 7th, 2007 at 15:47

    Jack, I believe that discriminating against people who are HIV positive is morally wrong.

    It contributes to stigmatising people who need our support.

    I can’t change US visa policy but I can protest against it, and ask that my fellow South Africans join in that protest.

14. Allen Ambor Says:
    June 7th, 2007 at 16:14

    Dear Richard

    Thank you very much for your enquiry regarding our prize sending the winning family to Disneyland in Florida, United States. We have created this competition with an established tour and holiday operating organization that will facilitate the family gaining entrance into the United States.

    All competition entry forms are available at all stores. They clearly state all terms and conditions concerning the competition.

    The prize covers the following:
    • 2 Adults & 2 children under 12 years
    • 4x Economy class return tickets on SAA to Orlando
    • 4x 5 day “Magic your way Tickets” for Walt Disney World in Florida
    • Return airport transfers in Orlando
    • Dinner show in Orlando
    • 7 nights stay at one of Disney’s All-Star Res at Walt Disney World in Florida on a room only basis
    • All pre-payable airport taxes and current fuel levies, also fully paid for by us.
    Other prizes included:
    • 3 Nights stay at The Kingdom Hotel in Victoria Falls for 2 Adults and 2 children under 12 years of age on a bed and breakfast basis sponsored by African Sun Hotels
    • 2×2 Nights stay at a selected Protea Hotel for 2 people on a room only basis sponsored by Protea Hotels

    The prize money does not include items of a personal nature, i.e. drinks, telephone calls, laundry and spending money.

    The terms and conditions clearly state that the winner must be in possession of the necessary passport and visas. However, should it be necessary, the tour operator will provide the winners on how to obtain visas with all the relevant info.

    As far as the people who are granted tourists visas are concerned, it would be regrettable if any of them were HIV positive and this is an issue that we would have to address at the appropriate time, however, this might not be the case. Regarding the US Consular officers not being obligated to issue a visa, this is not specific to our campaign and is relevant for anyone traveling to the US.

    Finally, as far as your statement that “certain people might not have the means to enter the United States”, this again, might be accurate; thus they probably would not be inclined to enter the competition.

    In conclusion, I do feel that your statement “… how do you respond to the accusation that by offering this prize you are discriminating…” is unfair. We are not discriminating at all, merely offering the chance of a lifetime for a family, who under normal circumstances might find it difficult to experience the joy of a holiday for a week to Disneyland fully paid for, now being able to avail themselves of this opportunity.

    We choose to look at the positive side of this issue, as indeed it was offered in good faith and in a very positive manner. I would assure you of our best attention at all times. Should any other issues arise, we would naturally deal with them in an open-hearted, open-handed positive manner and attempt to resolve them to the benefit of all parties.

    Yours faithfully

    ALLEN AMBOR
    EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

15. Richard Catto Says:
    June 7th, 2007 at 16:21

    I have received a reply from Allen Ambor:

    “The terms and conditions clearly state that the winner must be in possession of the necessary passport and visas.”

    “Finally, as far as your statement that ‘certain people might not have the means to enter the United States’, this again, might be accurate; thus they probably would not be inclined to enter the competition.”

    I have been under the impression, for most of my life, that Spur was a family restaurant, providing affordable meals and thus catering to the needs of a broad spectrum of South Africans.

    Yet now they have chosen to run a competition that specifically targets the jet-set elite who either already have US visas or who would have no trouble forking out R1000 plus to apply for a visa.

    If you don’t already have a US visa or the means to get one, Spur suggests that you don’t enter their competition.

    Sweet.

16. Jack Says:
    June 7th, 2007 at 18:55

    Are we discriminating against HIV positive people when we do not allow them to donate blood?

    Are we discriminating against poor people by offering ANY service, product, or opportuntiy that they might not be able to afford?

    I must be very immoral, but seriously, get real man!

17. Jack Says:
    June 7th, 2007 at 19:04

    and by the way… I thought that idealistically inclined people who are against discrimination, are also above making discriminating (and inflammatory) statements such as, “rich whitey”!

18. Richard Catto Says:
    June 7th, 2007 at 19:28

    Jack, Spur has said it themselves – if people don’t have a US visa or they can’t get one, they should not enter their competition.

    And yes, I take issue with that.

    Their advert will lure people to participate by patronising their restaurants without many of them realising that they can’t collect the prize, should they win. That’s disingenuous of Spur.

    My question of Spur is this:

    “What is Spur going to offer the winner, in the event that they cannot travel to the US?”

19. Stephan Says:
    June 7th, 2007 at 20:42

    Richard if this is your argument then you will most probably argue that credit card ads discriminate against the poor or those with bad credit records.

20. Richard Catto Says:
    June 7th, 2007 at 21:04

    Credit card companies are under no obligation to extend credit to someone who applies.

    Spur is under obligation to deliver the advertised prize to the winner of their competition.

    That is the “subtle” difference!

21. NARW Says:
    June 8th, 2007 at 05:26

    Spur should have researched their target market and the prize more.

    All things being equal, the prize is a great one. But all things are not equal. And a poor family forking out R40 for the meal in the hope that they will win a prize (which they do not realise they cannot get), is NOT the same as a rich family forking out R40 for the meal in the hope they will win a prize (which they will most likely get.)

    Clearly, Spur should have offered a prize more relevant to the people who daily spend their money supporting Spur. Offering this prize, which I would say the vast majority of people will NOT be eligible for, is a slap in the face for the people who spend their money at Spur.

    It is unfair to blame Spur for the HIV condition. However, is IS fair to blame Spur for not considering our South African moral standing in offering this prize. Very few of us agree with the clearly discriminatory policy of the USA not allowing HIV positive people into their country. If tomorrow, one of our great politicians, Thabo Mbeki or Helen Zille declared an HIV positive status, would they then be disallowed access to the United Nations offices in New York? Truly ridiculous, as only the pompous arrogant american government can be.

    Quite frankly, whatever anyone else says, or does, having read this article, I will certainly not walk into a Spur if I can help it. Steers it is then!

    As for McDonalds recycled rubbish, I’m happy to say the last time I bit into one of those vile plastic preservative-pumped burgers was in 1999. And never again.

22. Richard Catto Says:
    June 8th, 2007 at 08:38

    Should anyone still doubt the difficulty in obtaining entry into the US, Steve Hofmeyr has just had to cancel his US tour due to his visa application being declined.

    According to Hofmeyr’s web site, he applied for the wrong one (the “cheap” one), instead of the R50 000 one. Apparently, the US wants R50 000 from him because he will be receiving payment (from his tour).

    http://stevehofmeyr.co.za/blog/?p=3810

23. Ceeps Says:
    June 8th, 2007 at 11:24

    Well, well, well, I suppose Steve Hofmeyr is not a rich whitey, then….

     

24. Guy McLaren Says:
    June 8th, 2007 at 11:42

    I was going to point you at that as well, I recalled reading that Steve was battling to get a Visa. I think this was a poorly planned campaign. I think two weeks in a local game reserve or coastal town of your choice would have made more sense. Then the pooorest could also be winners. I mean what would it be for a fella from Bethlehem who has never seen the sea to see Table Mountain.

25. Richard Catto Says:
    June 8th, 2007 at 14:36

    In a game reserve, eh? Which side of the fence?

    Tell me, Guy, do you people from Tshwane still come down here to see the sea? Foeitog.

26. Richard Catto Says:
    June 8th, 2007 at 17:20

    Ceeps, Steve Hofmeyr is kool, man!

    The US should consider themselves privileged to be graced by his presence. They should get down on their knees en sy boude soen.

27. [FOLLOWUP] Winners of Spur’s Disney holiday competition are all white | Cape Town news Says:
    September 21st, 2007 at 07:28

    [...] Winners of Spur’s competition that I previously wrote about here have been published. They [...]

28. Laetitia Says:
    December 29th, 2007 at 12:52

    I did market research for the Spur group during July 07 iro a new advertising campaign. I worked in the Somerset West area Cape Province. I was supposed to receive R 400.00 payment for this service. To date ( 1 Jan 08 ) I still have not received 1 cent. Very upset about this. Contact me ASAP

29. Tim Singiswa Says:
    January 7th, 2008 at 09:51

    nandos are offering those who complained about it in sarah`s blog hundred rand worth of take aways comprising a full chicken,two litre coke,dozen rolls and something i can`t remember and when i checked with other takeaways shops i discovered that i would not have to pay more than forty rands for the four.

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