Former MTN Group CEO Sifiso Dabengwa has passed on, according to Chris Maroleng, the telco’s former group executive corporate affairs, who announced the news.
Dabengwa served as CEO of MTN until his departure due to problems in Nigeria, the company’s largest market.
The telecom’s old hand resigned from MTN in early November 2015, two weeks after the company disclosed that it was facing a US$5.2 billion fine in Nigeria for failing to disconnect 5.1 million unregistered subscribers.
The telecom veteran served as MTN Group’s CEO from March 2011 to November 2015. In 2004, he joined MTN as managing director of its South African business. He was later elevated to COO and served as MTN Nigeria’s CEO until 2006.
Before joining the MTN Group, Dabengwa was an executive director at Eskom. He holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering and an MBA.
On X, Maroleng, who worked under Dabengwa, announced: “It is with a heavy heart that I heard of the passing of my mentor and friend, Sifiso Dabengwa. As my boss, he played a pivotal role in introducing me to the telecommunications world during his tenure as the CEO of the MTN Group.”
He added: “His attention to detail, outstanding professionalism, and relentless pursuit of excellence in all his endeavours have left an indelible mark on me and all who had the privilege of knowing him. We have lost a great leader whose legacy will continue to inspire and guide us.”
