Johannesburg Sep 15 - Telecom giant MTN remains the most valuable brand of South Africa for the fifth consecutive year with a value of R37 billion, despite losing 32% of its brand value due to some of its reputational challenges.

South Africa’s Top 50 Most Valuable Brands 2016 were named by Brand South Africa and Brand Finance in Johannesburg on Thursday, with MTN in pole position, followed by Vodacom.

Woolworths holds the strongest brand position with an increase of 21% in brand value, now standing at number five. Country Road, owned by Woolworths, enters at 31st place with a value of R4.64 billion, as one of the two new brands entering the Top 50. And Real Estate Investment Trust Growthpoint enters at 50 with a value of R1.47 billion. 



Meanwhile, Telkom has seen the greatest increase in brand value following the integration of Business Connexion and improved performance on the retail side with good ratings on Value for Money and Customer Satisfaction according to the South African Customer Satisfaction Index. The increase in brand value sees Telkom move from 23rd position last year to 17th in 2016.

SABMiller holds the most valuable portfolio amounting to R29.67 billion with four of its brands standing amongst the country’s top 50: Castle, Carling Black Label, Hansa Pilsner and SABMiller.