MTN Adds Five Directors While Its Run as South Africa’s Most Valuable Brand Continues
Leadership changes at MTN South Africa unfold as the group’s brand value run continues in the background
MTN Group has appointed five new non-executive directors as part of its latest governance overhaul, marking a new phase in its leadership structure and succession planning.
The MTN board changes in 2026 see Herman Bosman, Ouma Rasethaba, Stephane Richard, Ignatius Sehoole and Saf Yeboah-Amankwah joining the board on 31 March. The company said their combined experience will strengthen oversight as it expands digital and financial inclusion efforts across its markets.
At the same time, long-serving directors Stan Miller and Nkululeko Sowazi will retire on 29 May after nearly a decade on the board. The transition forms part of a broader restructuring led by group chairman Mcebisi Jonas.
Governance reset during transition period
Jonas said the board will temporarily expand to accommodate incoming members before gradually reducing in size as retirements take effect.
“The changes are part of comprehensive succession planning and reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen governance, expertise and strategic oversight,” he said.
The staggered approach allows MTN to retain institutional continuity while introducing new perspectives, particularly as the group navigates regulatory, infrastructure and fintech growth pressures across Africa.
Changes at MTN South Africa leadership
Leadership adjustments extend to the operating business. Mike Harper will step down as chairman of MTN South Africa on 31 March after nearly 10 years in the role.
He will be succeeded by Sindi Mabaso Koyana from 01 April. She remains on the MTN Group board and will now take on the additional responsibility at the subsidiary level.
Noluthando Gosa will also join the MTN South Africa board, reinforcing alignment between the group and its largest market.
Brand strength backdrop
The governance changes come as MTN consolidates its market standing. The group was recently named South Africa’s most valuable brand for the 13th consecutive year by Brand Finance, with a valuation of ZAR 50.9 billion in 2026.
It was also inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame earlier in the year, recognising sustained influence over the past decade.
Strategic continuity with new oversight
The appointments point to a board recalibration rather than a strategic departure. MTN continues to prioritise telecom infrastructure, fintech expansion and regulatory engagement across multiple jurisdictions.
“The board will expand, then contract. Continuity is being managed alongside renewal.”
That approach reflects the group’s attempt to balance stability with new expertise at a time when telecom operators are increasingly tied to national digital policy and financial ecosystems.
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