Quick Facts
| Full Name | Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | c. 1971 |
| Place of Birth | Meadowlands, Soweto, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Current Position | Chief Executive Officer of Naspers South Africa |
| Previous Roles | CEO of Shanduka Group, Co-Founder and CEO of Sigma Capital, Vice President at Fieldstone Private Capital Group, Head of Project Finance at Development Bank of Southern Africa |
| Education | B.A. in Economics (Douglass College, Rutgers University), MBA (De Montfort University), Executive Education Program in Global Leadership and Public Policy (Harvard Kennedy School) |
| Selected Awards | ForbesWoman Africa “Business Woman of the Year” (2014), CNBC Africa’s All Africa Business Leaders “Woman of the Year” (2019), Forbes “Africa’s 50 most powerful women” |
| Notable Achievements | First Black and Female CEO of Naspers South Africa, Global Young Leader by the World Economic Forum (2007) |
| Spouse | Sifiso Dabengwa (late) |
| Corporate Boards | Vodacom, Discovery Insure, Gold Fields, Microsoft 4Afrika Advisory Council |
| Philanthropy | Patron of National Education Empowerment Trust (NEET), Chairperson for Global Dignity South Africa |
Introduction
Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa is a highly respected South African business executive known for her exceptional leadership in the corporate world. She has broken barriers throughout her career, becoming the first Black and female CEO of Naspers South Africa. Her journey from Meadowlands, Soweto, to the helm of one of Africa’s largest companies is a story of perseverance, vision, and impact.
Early Life and Education
Born around 1971 in Meadowlands, Soweto, South Africa, Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa’s early life was shaped by her parents’ strong emphasis on education. Her father, who passed away in 2012, came from a large family and had to pay for his own schooling, a legacy of determination that he passed on to Phuthi and her sister. Tragically, her mother died when she was just 17 years old, an event that deeply influenced her perspective on life and time.
At the age of 17, Mahanyele-Dabengwa left Johannesburg to pursue higher education in the United States. She attended Douglass College at Rutgers University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics in 1993. She later pursued an MBA at De Montfort University in the United Kingdom, graduating in 1996. To further enhance her leadership skills, she completed an executive education program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government in 2008, focusing on Global Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century.
Career
Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa began her career in the United States with Fieldstone Private Capital Group, an international investment banking firm specializing in infrastructure development. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Vice President at Fieldstone in New York before transferring to the firm’s South African office.
Her return to South Africa marked the beginning of a successful career in the country’s business landscape. She took on the role of Head of Project Finance at the Development Bank of Southern Africa, where she was instrumental in driving key projects. In 2004, she joined Shanduka Energy as Managing Director, and later became the CEO of Shanduka Group, a company founded and chaired by Cyril Ramaphosa, the current President of South Africa.
In 2016, after a fruitful tenure at Shanduka, Mahanyele-Dabengwa founded Sigma Capital, a venture that allowed her to explore new opportunities in investment and business development. Her leadership and innovative approach continued to garner recognition across the business world.
In July 2019, Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa made history by becoming the first Black and first female CEO of Naspers South Africa. Under her leadership, Naspers has continued to grow its influence, particularly in the technology and media sectors.
Leadership and Influence
Throughout her career, Mahanyele-Dabengwa has been a strong advocate for greater female representation in business leadership. She has consistently highlighted the importance of leveraging the talents of women to address global challenges, not just as a matter of social justice, but as a business imperative.
Her contributions to business and society have been recognized globally. In 2007, she was selected as a Global Young Leader by the World Economic Forum. She has also been involved in the World Economic Forum’s “Dignity Day” initiatives and served as the Chairperson for Global Dignity South Africa, a role that reflects her commitment to ethical leadership and social responsibility.
Corporate Boards and Philanthropy
Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa’s expertise is sought after by leading companies, and she serves on the boards of Vodacom, Discovery Insure, and Gold Fields. She is also a member of the Microsoft 4Afrika Advisory Council, where she provides strategic insights on how to harness technology for Africa’s development.
In addition to her corporate roles, Mahanyele-Dabengwa is dedicated to philanthropy. She is a patron of the National Education Empowerment Trust (NEET), an organization focused on providing educational opportunities to underserved communities.
Recognition and Awards
Mahanyele-Dabengwa’s trailblazing career has earned her numerous accolades. She was named ForbesWoman Africa “Business Woman of the Year” in 2014, and in 2019, she won CNBC Africa’s All Africa Business Leaders “Woman of the Year Award.” She has also been recognized as one of Forbes “Africa’s 50 most powerful women.”
Personal Life
Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa was married to the late Sifiso Dabengwa, a renowned businessman and former CEO of MTN Group. The couple shared a strong partnership in both their personal and professional lives, raising four children together.
Conclusion
Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa’s life and career are a testament to the power of resilience, education, and visionary leadership. She continues to inspire a new generation of African leaders, particularly women, to pursue excellence and break new ground in the business world. Her legacy is one of innovation, empowerment, and a deep commitment to making a difference in Africa and beyond.