Travelstart’s ‘Great Tsek’ campaign creates social media uproar

by Sergio Miller

The introduction of TravelStart’s brand new “Great Tsek” campaign has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many in the online space. 

While South African advertisements often find often tend to find a bit of humour in every dark or challenging situation, sometimes the timing of a joke is of utmost importance. 

In the case of one of the country’s most renowned online travel websites, TravelStart, their most recent advertisement may just have been a little too soon. 

Relying on the context of the current tensions between South Africa and the United States, the above-mentioned company took it upon themselves to play around with the use of words used by President Donald Trump concerning his views on the country, along with older terms, which left many unimpressed. 

In a recent advertisement for some of their travel options, they wrote: “Terrible things happening in South Africa.” 

“Didn’t partake in the Great Tsek? You’re in luck because you can still enjoy a great braai in Cape Town or jive like there is no tomorrow in Joburg.” 

“Let the ‘tsekkers make Uncle Sam’s land great again. South Africa has always been great!” 

This has since sparked a heated uproar, especially those from the Afrikaner community who felt that the experiences of living in a country with a high crime rate are now being ignored and mocked. 

Among those was Renaldo Gouws, a former Democratic Alliance member of parliament who offered his views on the matter. 

Similarly, former swimmer Roland Schoeman shared these sentiments: 

Others shared their thoughts:

Also see: The Great Tsek – Citizens react to Afrikaner refugees