MTN Group has been ranked first in the innovation category, the second most trusted company in South Africa while its group chief executive officer Phuthuma Nhleko was rated the third most trusted CEO in South Africa by Ask Africa Trust Barometer.
The Ask Africa Trust Barometer is a corporate reputation benchmark survey that ranks listed and non-listed companies across a range of reputation drivers ranging from innovation, leadership and social responsibility.
It attributed MTN’s impressive performance to its strong financial performance, long term investment value and innovation. Paying tribute to MTN’s management team, the survey noted that MTN "has leaders who set an example".
"Leadership was rated as this year’s most important driver, and it is positive to note that MTN has performed well above average on this driver," the survey found.
MTN was chosen by a panel of judges comprising its peers in the industry and by directors of unlisted and listed JSE Securities Exchange companies.
The telecommunications industry – the sector in which MTN emerged first in terms of innovation – came out as the top performing industry, thanks to solid performance by MTN and its competitors.
Nozipho January-Bardill, MTN group executive, Corporate Affairs, said that the accolade goes to its entire people in the 21 operations who are working diligently to ensure that MTN achieves its vision of being the preferred and leading telecoms operator in emerging markets. “As we celebrate the milestones we have attained in our short 15-year history as a company, it is encouraging to note that we have talented employees and partners who are eager to put their shoulders to the wheel to ensure that the next 15 years are as good as the previous period."
MTN performance in this year’s Ask Africa Trust Barometer shows a steady improvement from 2008 where it was judged the third most trusted company in South Africa.
MTN has in excess of 100 million subscribers, making it the leading telecoms operator in Africa. In the financial year ended 31 December 2008, MTN Group increased its revenue 40% to R102,5 billion.