05 September 2019

Global consumer internet business Naspers has created a new chief executive officer (CEO) role for its South African operations and given it to Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa.

In a statement, Naspers said she will report directly to group chief executive Bob van Dijk and will be based in Johannesburg where she will lead the group’s day-to-day business.

Mahanyele-Dabengwa will also be responsible for the new units, Naspers Foundry and Naspers Labs.

Launched at the South Africa Investment Conference in October 2018, the former is a R1.4bn start-up fund aimed at boosting the South African technology sector. In addition, it will help talented and ambitious South African technology entrepreneurs develop and grow their businesses.

“Phuthi is a seasoned leader with a strong track record of achievement throughout her career,” said van Dijk. “Her significant investor and board experience across varied sectors makes Phuthi the perfect match for this important role at Naspers.”

Mahanyele-Dabengwa was previously executive chairperson at Sigma Capital, a privately held, majority-black owned investment group, also based in South Africa.