Johannesburg - MTN has appointed appointed Phuthuma Nhleko as Executive Chairman in a temporary capacity as Sifiso Dabengwa resigns as CEO.

The boss of Africa's biggest mobile company, MTN, resigned after receiving a $5.2bn (£3.4bn) fine from Nigeria.

Chief executive Sifiso Dabengwa tendered his resignation with immediate effect, saying it was

"in the interest of the company and its shareholders".

The fine, which amounts to double MTN's profit last year, was for failing to cut off unregistered mobile users.

In a statement from MTN few hours after, the appointment of a new CEO was announced.

Below is the full statement

Johannesburg - MTN wishes to inform the market that MTN’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sifiso Dabengwa has resigned.

"Due to the most unfortunate prevailing circumstances occurring at MTN Nigeria, I, in the interest of the Company and its shareholders, have tendered my resignation with immediate effect," stated Sifiso Dabengwa.

Nhleko, the current Non-executive Chairman has agreed to act as Executive Chairman for a maximum period of 6 months while the Company identifies a successor for Mr Dabengwa.

Nhleko is no stranger to the business as he served as Non-executive Director and Chairman of MTN from July 2001 until June 2002 and thereafter as an executive director, Group President and CEO until March 2011. He has subsequently chaired the Group in a Non-executive capacity for the past two and a half years (29 May 2013).

"I will assume responsibility as Executive Chairman for the next 6 months as I proactively deal with the Nigerian regulator and will continue to work with them in addressing the issues around unregistered subscribers as a matter of urgency,” commented Nhleko.

To ensure compliance with King III, Mr. Alan van Biljon will continue to serve as the Lead Independent Director on the MTN board of directors (“MTN Board”) whilst Mr. Nhleko takes over executive responsibility.

“Together with the MTN Board, my second priority will be to find an appropriate Chief Executive Officer to take MTN forward. I will then revert to my Non-executive Chairman role," concluded Nhleko.

Stakeholders are reminded that MTN will continue to inform them of any material engagements with the Nigerian authorities via the Stock Exchange News Service of the JSE Limited (SENS).

Shareholders are advised to continue to exercise caution when dealing in the Company’s securities until a further announcement is made.