3-Year-Old Lethukhanya Mjaja, Albany Bread, and the Power of Social Media: Lessons for PR Professionals

By Ishola Ayodele A three-year-old girl from South Africa named Lethukhanya Mjaja was sent to buy a loaf of bread. She became fascinated with muddy water and started playing in it while still holding the loaf of bread. Completely lost in her imaginative world, she was unaware of her uncle, a commercial photographer, observing her. Unlike most, her talented uncle saw something unique in that moment. Instead of scolding her, he took photos, did a mock-up for billboard and delivery truck and posted everything online. The pictures went viral, becoming a sensation on South Africa's social media as the hashtag #AlbanyBreadGirl is trending with Twitter . This caught the attention of Albany Bread, the bread company. The marketing team visited Lethukhanya and give her some gift items and cash. This gesture also earned Albany bread some goodwill especially among netizens. Outcomes ...