Johannesburg, 27 September 2013 – Brand South Africa CEO Miller Matola has welcomed the results of the Reputation Management Institute’s 2013 CountryRep Study which indicates that South Africa’s reputation is improving amongst citizens of G-8 countries. The results were released on Thursday 26 September at WITS Business School in Johannesburg.
The study found that South Africa now ranks 28 of 50 countries in terms of reputation. South Africa moved from 44 in 2009.
Also known as the Global Perceptions on South Africa’s Reputation survey, the 2013 report has interestingly found that South Africans view themselves less favourably than their G-8 counterparts.
Reflecting upon these positive results Brand South Africa CEO Miller Matola said, “South Africans have a role to play in changing the South African narrative into a positive one. The improved results are therefore due to each South African citizen working together to change our country’s reputation. We have many positive developments in our country and these should inspire and encourage us that South Africa is on the right track to achieve its developmental objectives. Amongst others, the National Development Plan, or Vision 2030, clearly and concisely maps out where we are going as a country.”
“We must begin to change the South African narrative from the inside out. This can be easily achieved through the National Development Plan. Vision 2030 aims to put South Africa on a firm path to sustainable growth and development which will also serve to safeguard our democracy and freedom. This is very important as we prepare to commemorate 2 decades of freedom and democracy in our country.”
“We must also move beyond the discourse of what government can do to how each of us can contribute and play our part for our country’s development. This is the only way we can decisively shift perceptions on our reputation,” concluded Mr Matola.
About Brand South Africa
Brand South Africa is the official marketing agency of South Africa, with a mandate to build the country’s brand reputation, in order to improve its global competitiveness abroad. Its aim is also to build pride and patriotism among South Africans, in order to contribute to social cohesion and nation brand ambassadorship.