Each year, April Fool’s Day brings with it a myriad of stories that leave South Africa as a whole in a panic and questioning whether or not they are real. Last year, for example, TimesLIVE released a story stating that then-president Jacob Zuma would be studying a BCom degree to outdo rival politician, Julius Malema.
This year, the stories border on ridiculous, but are still rooted just enough in reality to send locals into a tizzy. Here are the best April Fool’s Day stories of 2019:
Audi changes its name to ‘Odi’
Famous car brand Audi said that it “made the decision” to change its name to Odi to make it easier to pronounce. Its official statement also stated that its iconic four-ringed logo would be replaced by a single large ring in honour of the name change.
In light of recent developments, please find our official statement below. pic.twitter.com/2Mg7NrYc37
— Odi South Africa (@audisouthafrica) March 31, 2019
Data load shedding implemented
Popular television show Expresso fooled the masses by stating that ‘The Mobile Institute of SA’ would put “data load shedding” in place, which would involve each cellphone number being denied access to its mobile service provider’s data network for up to two hours per day.
The Mobile Institute of SA will roll out nationwide #DataShedding starting today. Mobile data for specific cellphone numbers will be switched off periodically. Compare the first 3 digits of your number to this schedule to see when you’ll be affected. #ExpressoShow pic.twitter.com/rHicvzHFZo
— Expresso Show (@expressoshow) April 1, 2019
Springboks change name to ‘Zebras’
News network eNCA reported that the Springbok rugby team would be changing its name to the Zebras, even including a picture of the team kitted out in their ‘new’ uniform. It stated that the reason for the name change could be attributed to the team having a black captain, and said that the black and white stripes are symbolic for all South African races.
APRIL FOOLS: Springboks get name change https://t.co/59JfPIBK0k
— eNCA (@eNCA) April 1, 2019
Taste food through your phone
Local retailer Pick n Pay informed its customers that they would be able to taste-test its products via their cellphones from today onwards. “Using world-class nanotechnology, the functionality allows us to transduce the olfactory and sensory elements,” said its marketing head John Bradshaw in the press release. “In plain English, that means we use your phone’s touchscreen to create a response from your nervous system that allows you to taste and smell.”
Picture: Pixabay