Former MTN Group CEO, Sifiso Dabengwa, passed away on Monday morning after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Dabengwa, a key figure in the telecommunications industry, served as MTN Group CEO from March 2011 until 2015, a period that saw both significant growth and challenges for the company.
His resignation in 2015 was a pivotal moment, coming in the wake of MTN’s efforts to resolve the historic N1.04 trillion fine imposed by Nigerian authorities for the company’s failure to disconnect over five million unregistered SIM cards.
Born in Zimbabwe, Dabengwa also made his mark as CEO of MTN Nigeria, a role he held until 2006 before rising to lead the entire MTN Group.
His impact on the telecommunications landscape was profound, not just in South Africa but across the continent.
The news of his passing was confirmed by a family spokesperson, Themba Sibanyoni, who praised Dabengwa’s contributions to the industry.
Sibanyoni remarked, “Dabengwa was a titan in the telecommunications industry and an astute businessman. 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.”
Sibanyoni further emphasized the lasting impact Dabengwa left beyond his professional achievements.
“He was an advocate for education and a fervent believer in the power of technology to transform lives,” he added, highlighting Dabengwa’s broader influence on society.
At MTN’s headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa, the mood was somber as the company grappled with the loss. A top executive at MTN, reflecting on Dabengwa’s legacy, confirmed the news with a sense of deep sorrow, noting that despite his departure as CEO, Dabengwa remained an integral part of the MTN family.
“Dabengwa’s leadership during his years at MTN was instrumental in shaping the company’s direction, and his death has left us in a state of mourning,” the executive shared.
She also highlighted that Dabengwa had been battling cancer for some time, but his passing in the early hours of Monday was still a shock to those who knew him.
Dabengwa’s death marks the end of an era for MTN and the broader telecommunications industry, where his visionary leadership and commitment to leveraging technology for societal good will be remembered for years to come.
