The South African brand had been estimated to be worth R379.5 billion, putting it alongside some of the world's top commercial brands such as Coca-Cola, Microsoft and IBM, it was claimed yesterday. Kheepe Moremi, MD of the International Marketing Council, said research by Roger Sinclair, a Wits professor, had shown that 16 percent of South Africa's income was derived as a result of the strength of South Africa as a brand. "The international evaluation was derived by looking at South Africa's income stream - from exports, tourism and foreign investment," Moremi said. "Extensive market research was conducted to determine the extent to which a brand's country of origin is a feature in spending and investment decisions and, therefore, how powerful the South Africa brand is, in shaping these decisions." Source: Business Report