According to local media, fast food giant KFC has denied claims by a South African entrepreneur that the company stole his idea for a local dish known as kota.
KFC has been accused by Romeo Malepe of stealing his idea for a chicken kota, which the fast food chain is launching.
Kota, also known locally as Sphatlo, is a large sandwich stuffed into a quarter loaf of bread, wrapped, and eaten on the go.
Mr. Malepe told a local newspaper that his concept for a “Streetwise Kota” was stolen while he was seeking a partnership with the chain.
Mr. Malepe is also said to have recently taken to social media to condemn the fast-food chain for allegedly stealing his idea, which he claims he developed four years ago.
In a statement to South African media, KFC denied the claims, saying it was “no secret that kota is a famous South African meal and the limited-edition KFC Sphatlho is the result of an internal product development process.”
According to the company, for more than 50 years, the chain has been inspired by South African heritage and culture to develop local innovative products for their menu.
“We will continue to use South African food trends as inspiration to bring relevant products to our fans across South Africa,” said KFC.
