Sifiso Dabengwa, the former CEO of MTN Group, has passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer. Dabengwa, who led the telecommunications giant from March 2011 until his resignation in 2015, was a prominent figure in the industry, known for his visionary leadership and dedication to advancing telecommunications in Africa.
During his tenure, Dabengwa faced significant challenges, most notably the N1.04 trillion fine imposed on MTN Nigeria for failing to disconnect over five million unregistered SIM cards. This crisis led to his resignation as the company sought ways to navigate the regulatory hurdles.
Dabengwa, originally from Zimbabwe, also briefly served as CEO of MTN Nigeria until 2006, further solidifying his influence in the telecom sector. South African media outlets have reported his passing, quoting a family spokesperson, Themba Sibanyoni, who described Dabengwa as “a titan in the telecommunications industry and an astute businessman.” Sibanyoni highlighted Dabengwa’s commitment to education and his belief in technology’s transformative power.
An MTN executive in Johannesburg confirmed the news, expressing the profound sense of loss felt within the company. Dabengwa’s death has left the MTN family in mourning, as he was still considered a part of the organization he helped shape. He passed away early Monday morning.
