YOKOHAMA, JAPAN – NOVEMBER 02: Makazole Mapimpi of South Africa breaks through to score his team’s first try during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Final between England and South Africa at International Stadium Yokohama on November 02, 2019 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN – NOVEMBER 02: Makazole Mapimpi of South Africa breaks through to score his team’s first try during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Final between England and South Africa at International Stadium Yokohama on November 02, 2019 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Well, a deal’s a deal at the end of the day. No good deed goes unpunished, and online retailer Takealot have paid a hefty prize for expressing their patriotism this weekend. The company will now have to fork out R4 million to 346 individual customers, after the Springboks defeated England 32-12.
Thank you @TAKEALOT for keeping your promise.
— Tin@$he Mangena ???? (@TINA5H3) November 2, 2019
Was watching the @Springboks on my new TV.#BackTheBucs #SiyaKolisi #Mapimpi #Pollard #PayBackTheMoney ? pic.twitter.com/SkaswHcHNB
Springboks: Why Takealot are R4 million down
The group ran a promotion which started 14 days before the World Cup got underway, and ended on the eve of the tournament. Takealot promised that those who bought selected sets would get a full refund if the Boks romped home to glory. Sure enough, the lads did the business – and gave hundreds of South Africans another reason to cheer. The TVs on offer were:
- Samsung 49-inch Curved UHD TV (sold at R7 499).
- Samsung 50-inch UHD TV (R8 199).
- Samsung 55-inch QLED TV (R14 999).
Takealot respond to their promotional offer
Just imagine bagging yourself a free R15k TV on the same day your country wins the World Cup. It’s the deal of the century… well, not for Takealot it isn’t. The combined value of the speculative offer has cost them millions of rands. But, judging by their Twitter account, they’re taking it all in good spirits:
The champs are bringing home gold! Congrats Bokke!
— takealot (@TAKEALOT) November 2, 2019
As promised, we’re giving 346 shoppers a FULL REFUND on selected Samsung TVs!
Come on, South Africa! Post a photo or video of how you're celebrating this historic victory!#BacktheBucks #Takealot #RWC2019! pic.twitter.com/nIp2GOvSUg
Springboks win invokes acts of kindness across South Africa
Their generosity has been well-received on social media, with many users praising Takealot for sticking to their word. They may disagree, but R4 million is a small price to pay for a moment like the one we all experienced on Saturday. In fact, seeing Siya Kolisi lift that trophy is the definition of “priceless”.
Meanwhile, customers on the data-only network Rain also received a welcome surprise thanks to the Springboks: The company made all data and internet browsing free for 10 hours on Sunday, to celebrate the Boks’ stunning achievements in Japan. Cyril Ramaphosa, however, couldn’t be pressured into declaring Monday a public holiday. Bottle job…
