South African telco MTN Group has backed its CEO, Ralph Mupita, following allegations of improper conduct against him.

In a statement, the company's board of directors gave Mupita its full backing.

An investigation by an independent law firm into allegations of improper conduct by the telco's executives found no evidence of any wrongdoing.

It was reported earlier this week in South African newspaper Sunday Times that Mupita favored female employees at the company, and that several executives at the African operator had threatened to quit because of Mupita’s behavior.

But a meeting held earlier this week found no wrongdoing.

"The independent report stated that attempts to engage with the complainant were unsuccessful and found that there was no evidence of improper conduct by those cited in the complaint," said MTN in a statement.

"In its deliberations, the board accepted the report finding and is of the view that the matter has been addressed and is now closed. The Board further expressed its full support for the group chief executive officer and the MTN strategy."

Mupita has been CEO at MTN Group since August 2020, replacing Rob Shuter. Before becoming CEO, Mupita was CFO at the company from 2017.