South African media reported the news, quoting a family spokesperson, Themba Sibanyoni, who confirmed Dabengwa’s death.
Sibanyoni described Dabengwa as “a titan in the telecommunications industry and an astute businessman,” noting that his tenure as CEO of MTN Group was marked by visionary leadership, integrity, and significant advancements in the industry.
He added that Dabengwa’s legacy extends beyond the boardroom, highlighting his advocacy for education and belief in the transformative power of technology.
A top MTN executive in Johannesburg, South Africa, also confirmed the news, expressing shock and sorrow at his passing. She noted that Dabengwa remained a respected member of the MTN family, having led the company through many progressive years.
Dabengwa had been battling cancer for some time before his death early Monday.
Dabengwa served as MTN’s CEO from March 2011 until 2015, when he resigned amid efforts by the company to negotiate a record N1.04 trillion fine imposed by Nigeria for failing to disconnect over five million customers with unregistered SIM cards.
“Due to the most unfortunate prevailing circumstances occurring at MTN Nigeria, I, in the interest of the company and its shareholders, have tendered my resignation with immediate effect,” said Dabengwa in a statement upon his departure.
Following his departure from MTN, he was paid $2.6 million at the time, which South Africa’s Public Investment Corporation described as excessive.
The government pension fund investor told MTN that this was “a gross misuse of shareholder funds”.
Prior to this, the Zimbabwean-born Dabengwa briefly served as MTN Nigeria’s CEO until 2006.
Between 2018 and 2020, Dabengwa served on Eskom’s board and also worked with IT company Gijima.
Dabengwa had a BSc in Electrical Engineering and an MBA.