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MTN [JSE:MTN], which has been in the spotlight after Nigeria slapped it with a massive $5.2bn (R71bn) fine for not registering SIM card holders, announced that Dabengwa has resigned with immediate effect and that Phuthuma Nhleko has been appointed as executive chairperson in a temporary capacity.
"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," Dabengwa said in a statement.
His resignation came as the deadline to pay the penalty draws closer. MTN was given until November 16 to pay the penalty, which relates to the timing of the disconnection of 5.1 million subscribers and is based on a charge of 200 000 naira ($1 005) for each unregistered customer.
MTN said Nhleko, the current non-executive chairperson has agreed to act as executive chairperson for a maximum period of 6 months while the company identifies a successor for Dabengwa.
Nhleko has been with MTN since 2001 when he served as non-executive director and chairperson. From June 2002 he has been an executive director, Group President and CEO until March 2011. He has subsequently chaired the Group in a non-executive capacity for the past two and a half years (29 May 2013).
Nhleko said in his new role he will proactively deal with the Nigerian regulator and will continue to work with them in addressing the issues around unregistered subscribers as a matter of urgency.
“Together with the MTN Board, my second priority will be to find an appropriate Chief Executive Officer to take MTN forward. I will then revert to my Non-executive Chairman role," he said.
Ratings agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has downgraded MTN from ‘BBB’ and ‘zaAA+’ to ‘BBB-’ and ‘zaAA-’ as a result of its operations in Nigeria and other “high risk” environments.
Stakeholders are reminded that MTN will continue to inform them of any material engagements with the Nigerian authorities via the Stock Exchange News Service of the JSE Limited (SENS).
Shareholders are advised to continue to exercise caution when dealing in the Company’s securities until a further announcement is made, MTN said.
To ensure compliance with King III, Alan van Biljon will continue to serve as the Lead Independent Director on the MTN board of directors whilst Nhleko takes over executive responsibility.
