By Staff Writer
Former MTN chief executive Sifiso Dabengwa has passed away following a battle with cancer, his family spokesperson confirmed.
“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Raymond Sifiso Dabengwa, who succumbed to cancer this morning,” his spokesperson said.
He added that 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,” he said.
“He was an advocate for education and a fervent believer in the power of technology to transform lives.”
Dabengwa is survived by his wife, Naspers South Africa chief executive Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, and his four children.
He was best known for serving as MTN group chief executive and president between 2011 and 2015. He succeeded Phuthuma Nhleko, who stepped down on 31 March 2011.
Before becoming the mobile operator’s chief executive, he served as MTN’s group chief operating officer.
Before joining MTN in 1999 as managing director of the South African operations, he was an Executive Director at Eskom.
In 2004, he was promoted to chief operating officer and, in a dual role, was seconded to the position of chief executive officer of MTN Nigeria.
He then returned to South Africa, where he worked closely with Nhleko on the development and execution of the group’s growth strategy.
He was appointed as an Eskom director on 19 January 2018 and tendered his resignation with immediate effect on 21 July 2020.
Dabengwa held a BSc in Electrical Engineering and an MBA degree.
