MTN RETAINS TOP SPOT AS SOUTH AFRICA’S MOST VALUABLE BRAND IN 2024

Financial Mail

In the ever-evolving landscape of South Africa’s business scene, local brands continue to make their mark on both national and international stages. The recent release of the Top 100 South African Brands for 2024 showcases the resilience, innovation, and impact of these homegrown entities.

According to the annual report by Brand Finance, MTN has once again secured its position as South Africa’s most valuable brand. The telecommunications giant’s unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with its strategic investments in innovation and sustainability, has solidified its dominance in the market.

Sustainability and Consumer Resonance

MTN’s sustained success is evident not only in its financial performance but also in its strong sustainability perceptions and overall brand value. The company’s emphasis on environmental responsibility, community development, and ethical business practices has resonated with consumers, further enhancing its reputation as a socially conscious brand.

Despite facing stiff competition from industry rivals, MTN has managed to maintain its lead, thanks to its continuous efforts to deliver superior products and services while staying attuned to the evolving needs of its customers.

Emerging Contender: Vodacom’s Rise

While MTN retains its throne as the most valuable brand, its closest competitor, Vodacom, has been making significant strides, narrowing the gap between the two telecom giants. Vodacom‘s innovative offerings, strategic partnerships, and customer-centric approach have positioned it as a formidable contender in the market.

The telecommunications sector’s dominance in the Top 100 South African Brands reflects the pivotal role it plays in driving the country’s digital transformation and economic growth. As connectivity becomes increasingly integral to everyday life, telecom companies like MTN and Vodacom are at the forefront of shaping the future of communication and connectivity in South Africa.

Image: Tech Cabal

Diverse Representation in the Top 100

Beyond the telecom sector, other local brands have also made notable appearances in the Top 100 list, underscoring the diversity and strength of South Africa’s business landscape. In top strongest SA brands, brands such as FNB, Old Mutual, Woolworths, Checkers, Capitec, Dischem, Clicks, Pick n Pay and Game made the list. For valuable brands in SA, named top 10 is, MTN, Vodacom, Standard Bank, Nando’s, FNB, ABSA, Spar, Investec, Shoprite and Multichoice. These brands represent the diverse industries driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to the country’s socioeconomic development.

As South Africa navigates through economic challenges and embraces new opportunities, the success of local brands serves as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the nation’s business community. With a renewed focus on sustainability, innovation, and customer-centricity, these brands are poised to continue leading the way and shaping the future of the South African market.

Vodacom and MTN get a Slap

Vodacom and MTN gets a slap

The Competition Commission gave a slap on Vodacom and MTN for charging their South African customers more for data compared to other countries where they operate in.

This is an act that makes one question a lot of things. In actual fact, one would have assumed that because these brands are South Africa and that they would have South Africa’s interest at heart. But no, Vodacom and MTN saw it fit to charge their South African customers more for data. What matters worse is that the two brands were exploiting the poor even more.

This is according the report released by the Competition Commission on Wednesday, 24 April 2019. In 2016, the commission opened an inquiry into data costs in response to the #DataMustFall movement.

The report uncovered data costs in South Africa were higher than South Africa’s BRICS and SADC counterparts.

The poor are the worst affected by this act. According to the Competition Commission chief economist James Hodge the  poorer consumers were more exposed to out-of-bundle pricing, which puts them at greater risk of high prices. He further added that consumers that are on 100MB pay twice compared to those that are on 1GB on a per megabyte basis.

It is appalling what these brands that are doing and they are getting a Slap!