Vodacom Group has announced a sweeping series of changes to its board of directors, confirming the upcoming retirement of its chairman, the appointment of his successor, and the addition of a former Airtel Africa chief executive as an independent non-executive director.
The strategic reshuffle reinforce Vodacom’s commitment to corporate governance and its self-imposed board tenure policies, setting the stage for a seamless leadership transition over the next 12 to 18 months.
Chairman Retires After Reaching 10-Year Tenure
In a formal notice to shareholders, Vodacom confirmed that its current Chairman, Saki Macozoma, will officially retire after a decade of service.
The company strictly adheres to a self-imposed tenure limit for its board members, which triggers this succession.
“Vodacom has a self-imposed tenure of 10 years for board members. Accordingly, shareholders are advised that Saki Macozoma, the chairman of the company, having served on the Board since July 2017, will retire and step down from the Board at the annual general meeting to be held on 20 July 2027. Mr Khumo Shuenyane, who currently serves as the lead independent director, will be appointed as the chairman of the company with effect from 21 July 2027.”
Macozoma’s tenure has been marked by significant strategic milestones, said Vodacom in a statement.
The board expressed its deep gratitude for his stewardship during a pivotal era for the telecommunications provider.
“The Board thanks Saki for his valuable leadership and significant contribution to Vodacom since 2017, overseeing the implementation of the Vision 2025 strategy and the inception of the Vision 2030 strategy, which have both heralded a transformational era for the business. The Board wishes him much success with his future endeavours.”
Additional Director Retires in October 2026
Alongside the chairman’s departure, the board will also see the retirement of Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, who has served as a director and chair of the Remuneration Committee since 2019.
Her exit is scheduled for 8 October 2026.
“Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa retires from the Board on 8 October 2026. Ms Mahanyele- Dabengwa, who served as the chairman of the Remuneration Committee and a member of the Nomination Committee, was appointed to the Board on 1 January 2019. The Board thanks Ms Mahanyele-Dabengwa for her material contribution to the Board and wishes her much success with her future endeavours.”
Ex-Airtel Africa CEO Segun Ogunsanya Joins as Independent Director
In a significant move to bolster its governance expertise, Vodacom has appointed Segun Ogunsanya as an independent non-executive director, effective 9 October 2026.
“Segun Ogunsanya is appointed as an independent non-executive director with effect from 9 October 2026.”
Ogunsanya brings a powerhouse of experience to the Vodacom board, having recently retired from leading one of Africa’s largest telecom operators. He has over 35 years of leadership experience across multiple sectors, including finance, banking, FMCG, telecommunications and corporate governance.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering from University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and later received an honorary Doctor of Science in computer science education from Tai Solarin University of Education.
Vodacom said Ogunsanya is 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).
Until his retirement in June 2024, he served as the Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Airtel Africa PLC, a FTSE 100-listed multinational providing mobile telecommunications and financial services in 14 African countries.
Prior to joining Airtel in 2012, Ogunsanya served as Managing Director of the Nigerian Bottling Company (a Coca-Cola Hellenic operation), CEO of Coca-Cola Sabco in Kenya, and General Manager of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Ghana.
He also served as the Group Head at Ecobank Transnational Inc., overseeing the bank’s retail activities across 28 African countries. He currently chairs the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Nigeria’s sovereign wealth fund focused on economic stabilisation, infrastructure, and future generations’ prosperity, and is a member of the board of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group. Ogunsanya was also an independent non-executive director of JSE listed fintech entity, Optasia.
Vodacom has confirmed that all regulatory processes regarding his appointment have been thoroughly satisfied.
“The Board confirms that in compliance with paragraph 6.73 of the JSE Listings Requirements, a fit and proper assessment has been conducted and that the Board is satisfied with the outcome of the assessment. Vodacom further confirms that there are no positive statements to report in respect of the integrity information contained in the director’s declaration.”
Committee Restructuring Announced
With the departure of Mahanyele-Dabengwa from the Remuneration Committee, Vodacom has moved quickly to appoint a successor in that capacity.
“With effect from 9 October 2026, Clive Thomson will assume the role of chairman of the Remuneration Committee. Thomson will remain the chairman of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee. Other changes to the composition of board committees will be announced in due course.”
These changes reflect Vodacom’s proactive approach to governance and succession planning, ensuring stability and continued strategic growth as the company transitions into its next chapter under new leadership.
