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Stuff from Johannesburg

Yugan Munthrie’s Unprecedented Love Inspires CEO

Johannesburg: In today’s era, driving the same car brand for longer periods, is rare. For Yugan Munthrie and his family, staying loyal to the Hyundai brand for 26 years, is something to behold.

His journey with the Hyundai brand began in 2000, when he bought his first Hyundai ELANTRA J5 from a Hyundai dealership in East Rand, an experience he still remembers clearly today.

“I remember walking into the showroom at The Glen and seeing the Hyundai ELANTRA J5 on the floor. It just felt right,” he said. “It was a big decision at the time, but I trusted my instinct and it paid off.”

That car would go on to become far more than just transport. From daily commutes to memorable family occasions, it became part of their life. One of their earliest memories was a long-distance family road trip.

“Our first proper drive was a family trip and it was effortless, comfortable, smooth and no stress at all,” Munthrie recalled. “That was when I realised I had made the right choice.”

More than two decades later, the Hyundai ELANTRA J5 has surpassed 400,000 km and remains in remarkably sound mechanical condition. Beyond routine maintenance over the years, it has not required any major mechanical overhauls, underscoring its durability in everyday South African driving conditions.

“It has been incredibly reliable, safe and still looks as stunning as the first time I laid my eyes on it,” he said. “It is such qualities that have kept me and my family staying loyal to the Hyundai brand for 26 years.”

Over the years, the Munthries’ loyalty has extended across the Hyundai models. Today, their garages include the Hyundai GETZ, Hyundai TIBURON as well as the Hyundai TUCSON. Each vehicle has served a different purpose, but all have delivered a consistent and memorable ownership experience.

The significance of his story has not gone unnoticed. Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa today met Munthrie to personally acknowledge his long-standing loyalty.

“Meeting Yugan was incredibly special,” said Anderson. “It is rare to see this kind of long-term relationship between a customer and a brand. His experience reflects what we aim to achieve each day, which is, to sell quality, reliable vehicles and deliver an exceptional aftersales experience.”

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Africa’s Economic Heartbeat and the JSE

Johannesburg is the undisputed financial capital of the African continent. It is classified as an “Alpha Global City,” meaning it plays a primary role in the global economic network. The city generates roughly 16% of South Africa’s GDP and is the headquarters for 74% of the major multinational companies operating in Sub-Saharan Africa.

At the center of this economic power is the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Founded in 1887, just one year after the city’s birth, the JSE was initially a way to raise capital for deep-level mining. Today, it is the largest stock exchange in Africa and ranks among the top 20 in the world by market capitalization. The financial district has moved from the historic city center to Sandton, an area often called “Africa’s Richest Square Mile.” This shift reflects Johannesburg’s evolution from a rough-and-tumble mining camp into a sophisticated service-and-finance economy. Despite the decline in actual mining, the city remains the “command and control” center for the continent’s mineral wealth, telecommunications, and banking sectors.