Nedbank MD to be named new MTN CEO

According to our sources, the 41-year-old Dlamini who has been with the bank for 11 years is set to start on his new job on July 1. MTN group in South Africa has been informed about the latest development.

Dlamini who is a bonafide Swazi replaces South African born Tebogo Mogapi who was forced to vacate the post in January after his work permit was not renewed by government. Upon his departure, the MTN board appointed Phillip Besiimire as the acting CEO for a six month period pending the outcome of a recruitment process.

Our sources further said the recruitment process had been concluded and Dlamini was selected as the preferred candidate from two others who had been shortlisted for the job.

"The two candidates who missed out have already received letters of regret and one could assume that Dlamini has already received his appointment letter and set to be unveiled by month end", our sources said.

Our sources further revealed that Dlamini was part of a group of powerful individuals who were taken on a treat to South Africa by MTN to watch one of the ongoing World Cup games. However, this had nothing to do with him joining the company as he was part of a team of selected individuals that included the media.

When Swazi News contacted on the matter, MTN board chairman David Dlamini referred all questions to acting CEO Phillip Besiimire.

"Speak to Besiimire about that matter as he is the person to comment on what you are asking me about," said Dlamini two weeks ago.

Besiimire could not be reached for comment as he was reported busy with the World Cup since MTN is one of the major sponsors of the event.

MTN Corporate Affairs Manager Mpumelelo Makhubu was brief in his comment.

"The recruitment process is ongoing as previously communicated by the chairman of the board of directors. At the appropriate time, the Board will make an announcement in this regard," said Makhubu.

Minister of Information Technology and Communications Nelisiwe Shongwe only confirmed that the new CEO of the company will be Swazi.

"The CEO’s position is in the process of being filled as the board is hard at work finalising recruitment. The ministry has nothing official as yet on the choice of the CEO," said Shongwe in an interview.

Asked on whether the next MTN CEO will indeed be a local citizen, Minister Shongwe responded in the affirmative.

"Government has said it before that a local will be appointed for the position," she added briefly.

When called to confirm or refute the reports, Dlamini said; "For now, I am not ready to issue any comment on the matter. However please contact me on Wednesday".

Ironically Wednesday is the last day of the current month.

It could not be established if Dlamini has already resigned from his position. However, he did not refute assertions that he may have resigned as he stuck to his original line; "Please contact me on Wednesday," he said.

Efforts to get hold of Nedbank board Chairman Ndumiso Mamba were unsuccessful as his cellphone rang unanswered throughout our several attempts. He was called more than five times this week.

In the past MTN Group South Africa had referred all enquiries with regards to the appointment of the CEO to its local office in the country.

Dlamini’s appointment will result in him being the second Swazi to hold a post of such high esteem within the company after Themba Khumalo who is currently based in Uganda. Dlamini will be the fifth CEO of the company since its over 10 years of operation in the country.

Dlamini’s work experience

He is the Managing Director of Nedbank Swaziland and prior to this position he held the position of Head of Retail Banking, Strategy and Marketing at the same bank. He previously worked for ABSA bank in Johannesburg as Small Medium Enterprise Manager, Strategy Manager and Franchise Financing Manager. Before he joined Nedbank Swaziland, he also worked for Standard Bank South Africa, Johannesburg as Management Consultant. He is president of FSE&CC board of directors and SIFE board member.

Qualifications; BCom (Uniswa), MBA (Hampton), Chartered Marketer (IMM South Africa), Global Executive Development Programme (GIBS).

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