NetOne dismisses CEO exit claims

State-owned mobile network operator NetOne has dismissed social media speculation surrounding the absence of its Group Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, saying he is on approved annual leave and will resume his duties next month.

The clarification follows online claims alleging that Mushanawani had been placed on forced leave and would not return to the company.

Speaking in an interview, NetOne Business Strategy Performance Executive John Mayambo described the reports as false and without merit.

"This is just speculation. The CEO is on approved annual leave from July 13 to August 13. He is enjoying his time off, and he will resume duty on August 13. There is nothing forced about this—it's routine annual leave processed through normal channels," Mayambo said.

He said the claims circulating on social media were baseless and had the potential to unfairly damage the chief executive's reputation.

Mayambo confirmed that Chief Technology Officer Christopher Muchechemere has been appointed Acting Group Chief Executive Officer during Mushanawani's absence, describing the arrangement as standard corporate practice to ensure continuity in the company's operations.

According to Mayambo, the acting appointment will remain in place until Mushanawani returns from leave on August 13.

Although NetOne had not issued a formal public statement through its official communication platforms at the time of publication, the company has maintained through senior management that the CEO's leave is routine and follows established internal procedures.

The clarification comes as speculation continues to circulate on social media regarding leadership changes at the state-owned telecommunications company.