There will be a new Coca-Cola advert being aired tonight on South Africa TV and you can catch it during Our Soapie tonight. The ad is directed by Mfundo Mkhize. Mfundo is an amazing and talented young man from Pietermaritzburg, who has been given an opportunity of a lifetime.

So lets keep our eyes out for it tonight. This is Mfundo below:

COCA-COLA TEAMS UP WITH STUDENT DIRECTOR to launch
‘OPEN HAPPINESS’ IN SOUH AFRICA – THE ULTIMATE GOAL (A WORK IN PROGRESS)
BREAKS ON ALL TV STATIONS TONIGHT

Youth development remains our key passion point, and our latest campaign taps into Football through the eyes of Mfundo Mkhize, who reflects the perspective of South African youth.

Our new campaign, ‘Open Happiness’ is all about inviting people to share a little happiness and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. ‘Open Happiness’ builds on the award-winning Coke Side of Life campaign and will serve as the platform for all integrated marketing for brand Coca-Cola globally. In South Africa, ‘Open Happiness’ will be launched to coincide with the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.

“With this campaign we are framing the way that we view soccer, we are viewing it through the lens of the youth, a view that is exploding with the vibrancy, spontaneity and imagination of African creativity. These qualities are epitomized by the dream of a student director, Mfundo Mkhize, to create a piece of film that embodies rhythm of Africa.” says Zayd Abrahams, Coca-Cola South Africa’s Strategic Marketing Manager.

The anticipation of the last 2 weeks created by outdoor media, as well as Mfundo’s press appearances and news coverage, culminate on ALL TV STATIONS tonight, 4 May 2009, with a 45” ad: THE ULTIMATE GOAL – A WORK IN PROGRESS.

Mfundo certainly brings with him the ‘can do’ pursuit of happiness synonymous with Coca-Cola. Coke is not only the catalyst for Mfundo’s dream but is also the vehicle that will carry him on his journey to make it a reality. This is undoubtedly a journey of perseverance, dedication and self-belief, a journey not dissimilar to one that South Africa has been on for the last 3 years in the build up to the FIFA Confederations Cup.

The company and brand Coca-Cola are behind Mfundo in following his dream and living this unprecedented opportunity. Coca-Cola is behind the young talent of South Africa, talent that with the right guidance and support can meet and beat the best in the world. We share Mfundo’s youthful vision for football and we will support him in his pursuit of the ultimate goal.

Mfundo hails from Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu Natal. He attended Maritzburg College from where he matriculated with exemption in 2005. But throughout his life his passion and love has been in theatre. He obtained colours for Speech and Drama and was a member of the school Choir. In 2005, his final year at school, he won the Best Director award.

After Matriculating, Mfundo joined the FET College in Pietermaritzburg where he studied business management which he believes is very important in moving forward.

Mkhize is currently completing his Bachelor of Motion Picture diploma at AFDA. In his short career to date he has already directed a stage play by Mbongeni Nema (Asinamali) and his hobbies include movies, music, poetry and storytelling. Another goal he has in the future is to write a novel.

When Mkhize was asked how he felt being awarded a job of this magnitude, the unassuming 21 year old simply said, “It still doesn’t feel real.” After absorbing the reality of the journey ahead for him he went on to say, “It’s incredible that someone understands this crazy vision I have and more than that, they actually want to make it happen.”

“Coke have said that they will do everything they can to make this a success for me. I am so stoked and excited about this. I must say, I am feeling the pressure but I suppose that’s a good thing cos it will keep me on my toes and help me push myself to make this things happen.”

TONIGHT’s FLIGHTING:
18h30 eTV Rhythm City
19h00 MNET The Big Bang Theory II
19h00 eTV eNews @ 7
20h00 SABC 1 Generations
20h30 SS3 Monday Night Woza
22h00 SABC 1 Coca-Cola Soccer Zone
21h00 SABC 2 Muvhango
22h00 SABC 1 The Donnelly’s

CLICK HERE to view the ad