South African brands and celebrities that have gone global

September is Heritage Month, and it's time to celebrate all the things we love about being South African. Join 3Cube Property Solutions as we take a step beyond braais, Mrs Ball's chutney and Charlize Theron to explore our home-grown brands and talents that have taken the world by storm. From restaurants and breweries to entertainment sensations, South Africa has produced it all.

Introducing the world to the taste of South Africa

While various South African restaurants and eateries - such as Spur and Steers - have developed an international presence, the most remarkable example of a South African restaurant gone global is arguably Nando's. The Nando's story begins back in 1987 in Rosettenville, Johannesburg. Fast forward 33 years, and you'll find branches of Nando's in at least 24 countries around the world, from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States to Fiji, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Pakistan. The taste of the legendary flame-grilled chicken and the array of burgers, pitas and wraps on the menu have captivated taste buds around the world.

No mention of Nando's as a South African heritage icon can be complete without making mention of their marketing campaigns. Telling it like it is through all our ups and downs, Nando's is well loved for bringing a touch of humour into our lives in troubled times.

Taking South African humour to the world

He may not be a brand but he's certainly a South African icon. Trevor Noah is a South African born-and-bred comedian who has made waves around the world as the host of Comedy Central's The Daily Show. From being a young boy in Soweto who had to stay hidden due to the illegal nature of his mixed-race existence, Noah has been awarded "Personality of the Year" at MTV Africa's Music Awards and has delighted audiences all around the world with his humorous take on life.

It was in 2012 that Noah left South Africa to move to the United States, becoming the first South African comedian to appear on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Noah's unique brand of humour has won worldwide acclaim and a well-deserved place on the list of South Africans that have made a name for themselves overseas.

Discovering the beautiful sound of South Africa

Any South African who's looking to be proud of our country and get some goosebumps this Heritage Day should look no further than the Ndlovu Youth Choir's rousing rendition of our beloved national anthem. Described as "an African music and dance spectacular", the choir was formed in 2009 and catapulted to world fame on season 14 of America's Got Talent. Subsequently, their debut album proved to be an iTunes chart-topper. Their message of hope and love - with its undeniably South African undertones - is being heard around the world.

An international brewer with roots here at home

While SABMiller is now headquartered in the United Kingdom, it opened its doors as South African Breweries (SAB) in Johannesburg in 1895. Fast forward to the 1990s, and SAB had cornered 98% of South Africa's beer market. In the decade ahead, SAB would begin its international expansion, focusing initially on central Europe, China and other African countries. By 2015, people in more than 80 countries around the world were drinking SABMiller's range of more than 200 South African beers.

3Cube Property Solutions is proud to be South African and to have helped many South African companies find premises in which they can grow and gain acclaim. Contact us today and let's locate the right commercial or industrial property for you to buy or rent in Gauteng.