, April 9 -- This is according to the Brand Finance South Africa 100 report released this morning at a function at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in Sandton.

While MTN's brand value fell to R68.2 bn, Vodacom climbed to second on the list, with an increase in brand value of 10% to R43.9bn, narrowing the gap between the two telecoms companies.

Brand Finance research indicates that the influence of majority shareholder Vodafone bolsters Vodacom's brand and market standing.

Although Vodacom operates autonomously and is listed on the JSE, Brand Finance data reveals that Vodacom's association with Vodafone enhances brand equity, cultivating recognition and trust.

MTN has expanded outside of its home market and has a stronghold in Nigeria, ...