the top Brands Creating and maintaing a leading brand in today’s business world isn’t easy. While brands come in and out of fashion, the ones that continue to capture our attention and  win over our support do so by holding fast to their quality products or service.

KwaZulu-Natal is home to a large number of well known brands that  have been home-grown and driven from within the province.  Many of these companies have long histories and they continue to expand their footprints still further today. These brands have reached out locally, nationally and in many cases internationally.

Each year, the much coveted Top KZN Brand award is given to the brand that obtains the most votes on a public online poll.  Voters are required to register by email and each person registered is allowed one vote. Once more the interest shown in this award is reflected in the large number of votes cast. We are also delighted that companies take advantage of the opportunity by encouraging their staff members, clients and other stakeholders  to get involved. Twitter and Facebook were also abuzz with requests to go on line and vote. The top ten  brands as voted for by the people of  KZN are:
1. Defy
2. The Unlimited
3. Tyson Properties
4. Gud Filters
5. East Coast Radio
6. Sparkport Group of Pharmacies
7. Hirsch’s  
8. Spar  
9. King Shaka International Airport
0. Ushaka Marine World

The list of all the winning brands in KZN are available on the  www.topbusiness website. you can rely on defy South Africa’s leading major domestic appliance manufacturer and distributor, Defy celebrates 110 years of service and quality this year.

The slogan ‘You can rely on Defy’  has always been associated very strongly with consistent product quality and meaningful product innovation. Established in 1905, Defy made its debut by manufacturing the first electric stove in South Africa. In the last 80 years, the brand has further entrenched its footprint in South African households through manufacturing durable goods such as gas ovens, washing machines, dryers and ovens. Defy also performs sales of aspirators, dishwashers, microwave ovens and gas ovens.

In 2014, air conditioning and small domestic appliances were introduced to the range. This has led to Defy becoming the biggest white goods manufacturer in the country, while presenting the largest product range in South Africa. As a company that cares for both its customers and staff Defy continues to employ 3000 staff in their eight sales branches and three manufacturing plants in South Africa with an annual production capacity of two million units. The company’s head office is in Jacobs, Durban. In 2011 Defy was attained by leading Turkish home appliance group, Arcelik. The group has invested over 1 000 000 million rands in

Defy since its takeover, focusing on innovation, brand development and its people. The company supports its brand position further through its own sales, warehousing, distribution and after sales service functions. The renovation of the Jacobs facility, which produced freestanding stoves, built-in ovens and hobs, tumble dryers and console air conditioners, and the introduction of two new production lines at 

its Ezakheni, Ladysmith, hub, which manufactured electric chest freezers and electric refrigerators, were completed within the first two years of the buyout.

The brand is continuously innovating through its stylish products that are aligned with local and global trends while remaining userfriendly. The latest technology 

ensures environmentally friendly products through the elimination of harmful chemicals and gases. The use of A+ energy products and the reduction of energy consumption in manufacturing facilities emphasises Defy’s commitment to their customers and the environment. “The brands rich legacy spans 

over 110 years and is driven by passionate employees, outstanding products, loyal customers and satisfied consumers. As we celebrate and reflect on this milestone we are also reminded by the effort required to maintain our relevance for another 110 years,” commented Defy’s Head of marketing Rajan Gungiah