Former MTN Group CEO and Eskom board member Sifiso Dabengwa has passed away following a prolonged battle with cancer, according to a family spokesperson.
Biography and Career
Sifiso Dabengwa held a BSc in Electrical Engineering and an MBA degree. He was married to Naspers South Africa chief executive Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa and had four children. Dabengwa was best known for serving as MTN group chief executive and president between 2011 and 2015, succeeding Phuthuma Nhleko. Before joining MTN in 1999 as managing director of the South African operations, he was an Executive Director at Eskom.
Leadership in MTN Group
In 2004, Dabengwa was promoted to chief operating officer and concurrently served as chief executive officer of MTN Nigeria. Later, he returned to South Africa, where he worked closely with Nhleko on the development and execution of the group’s growth strategy. His tenure as CEO of MTN Group from 2011 to 2015 was marked by visionary leadership, integrity, and dedication that drove significant advancements in the industry.
Resignation and Its Aftermath
Dabengwa's exit, which MTN described as a resignation, came in the wake of a record-setting USD 5.2 billion fine imposed by a Nigerian regulator after the group’s Nigerian operation allegedly failed to disconnect 5.1 million unregistered SIM cards. At the time, MTN stated that engagement with Nigerian authorities regarding the fine was ongoing and shareholders would be informed of any material developments on this matter. He was appointed as Eskom director on 19 January 2018 and tendered his resignation on 21 July 2020.
Sifiso Dabengwa made significant contributions to the telecommunications industry and will be remembered as a visionary leader and dedicated professional.
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