In the new position, Khumalo will be responsible for managing 13 MTN operations in: Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Congo Brazzaville, Cyprus, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea-Conakry, Liberia, Rwanda, Sudan, Swaziland, Yemen and Zambia.
Announcing the changes, MTN Group president and CEO, Sifiso Dabengwa, said Khumalo's successor in Uganda would be announced soon.
"We always look forward with hope and optimism, leaving behind a legacy of achievements in the way we do business. The enterprising spirit within MTN energises our efforts to do better in Uganda whilst sustaining our unwavering focus in customer service and our broad based corporate social responsibility," he said.
Khumalo joined MTN South Africa in 1994 following a long career in fixed line telecommunications, and has operated in a number of senior positions in MTN, including being CEO in Swaziland, Rwanda and currently in Uganda.
MTN Uganda chairman, Charles Mbire, said Khumalo's appointment would bolster the group's position as a leading telecommunications firm in Africa, and commended him for his steady management in Uganda over the last three years.
"We have been happy with Themba's steady hand in the face of various challenges such as the global recession, as well as increasing local competition. MTN Uganda has continued to grow steadily in terms of subscriber numbers and market share," Mbire said.
The operations executive will report to the newly appointed group chief operating executive (GCOE), Ahmad Farroukh, formerly MTN Group vice president for the West and Central Africa (WECA) Region.
