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Vodacom Group announces key board changes, including the retirement of Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa and a planned succession for Chairman Saki Macozoma.
Vodacom Group has announced a significant reshuffling of its board, appointing former Airtel Africa Group Chief Executive Officer Segun Ogunsanya as an independent non-executive director. Ogunsanya will join the Vodacom board effective 9 October 2026, following the retirement of Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, who steps down on 8 October 2026.
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The changes come as part of a broader governance transition, with the telecom giant also revealing a succession plan for its chairmanship. Saki Macozoma, who has served on the board since July 2017, will retire at the company’s annual general meeting on 20 July 2027, in line with Vodacom’s self-imposed 10-year board tenure policy. Lead Independent Director Khumo Shuenyane will succeed Macozoma as chairman from 21 July 2027.
Veteran Telecom Executive Brings Pan-African Expertise
Ogunsanya brings more than 35 years of leadership experience spanning finance, banking, fast-moving consumer goods, telecommunications, and corporate governance. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and an honorary Doctor of Science in computer science education from Tai Solarin University of Education.
A distinguished fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Institute of Credit Administration, and the Institute of Directors (Nigeria), Ogunsanya served as Group CEO and Managing Director of Airtel Africa PLC until his retirement in June 2024. His extensive career also includes senior leadership positions at Nigerian Bottling Company, Coca-Cola Sabco in Kenya, Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Ghana, and Ecobank Transnational Inc., where he oversaw retail operations across 28 African countries.
Beyond the private sector, Ogunsanya chairs the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and serves on the board of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group. He previously held a role as an independent non-executive director of JSE-listed fintech company Optasia.
Vodacom confirmed that its board conducted a fit and proper assessment in accordance with JSE Listings Requirements and was satisfied with the outcome. The company also noted that there were no positive statements to report regarding the integrity information contained in Ogunsanya’s director declaration.
Boardroom Transition and Succession Planning
Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, who joined the Vodacom board on 1 January 2019, will retire on 8 October 2026. During her tenure, she served as chair of the Remuneration Committee and a member of the Nomination Committee, contributing significantly to the company’s governance framework.
Looking ahead, Chairman Saki Macozoma’s planned departure at the July 2027 AGM marks the end of a decade of service, honouring Vodacom’s tenure policy. His successor, Khumo Shuenyane, currently serving as the lead independent director, will take over the chairmanship effective 21 July 2027, ensuring a seamless transition at the helm of the board.
Committee Leadership and Governance Compliance
At the committee level, Clive Thomson will assume the role of chairman of the Remuneration Committee from 9 October 2026, while continuing his duties as chairman of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee. Vodacom indicated that further changes to the composition of its board committees would be announced in due course.
These governance adjustments underscore Vodacom’s commitment to robust corporate oversight and strategic renewal as it navigates the evolving telecommunications landscape across Africa.
