Tributes Pour In for Former Finance Minister Tito Mboweni
President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to former Minister and Governor of the Reserve Bank, Tito Mboweni, following his passing.
Mboweni passed away on Saturday evening following a short illness.
“Given his sense of vitality and energetic and affable engagement with fellow South Africans, Dr Mboweni’s passing at 65 comes as a shock. We have lost a leader and compatriot, who has served our nation as an activist, economic policy innovator and champion of labour rights,” President Ramaphosa said.
Mboweni served as South Africa’s Minister of Labour in the first democratically elected Cabinet from 1994 to 1999. Following that, he served as the South African Reserve Bank Governor from 1999 to 2009.
His final official position in government was as the Minister of Finance in President Ramaphosa’s administration from 2018 to 2021.
Mboweni resigned from Parliament on 1 February 2022.
“As Governor and Finance Minister, he had a sharp focus on fiscal discipline and economic transformation. Tito Mboweni distinguished himself in different strategic roles in the private sector and was a flag bearer in global forums for our economy and developing economies more broadly.
“He conducted himself with expert rigour, while maintaining the personable touch that made him a social media star and ambassador for Modjadjiskloof’s culinary traditions. His passing is a great loss. May his soul rest in peace,” President Ramaphosa said.
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Dr. Phophi Ramathuba has expressed her heartfelt condolences to the Mboweni family following the passing of former Minister and Governor.
“It is with deep shock and disbelief that we learn of the passing of this icon of our province. We extend our sincere wishes for comfort and strength to his family and friends during this difficult time,” said Ramathuba.
“As a province, we are deeply saddened to lose someone who proudly represented Limpopo and tirelessly advocated for tourism and investment within our region. Mboweni’s vision and leadership were invaluable, and we were looking forward to his leadership in a commission at the Limpopo Investment Conference next month.”
Mboweni’s contributions to Limpopo and the nation at large will be remembered fondly, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
The Premier encourages all residents of Limpopo to join her in honouring Mboweni’s memory and celebrating his remarkable life.
The ANC described Mboweni’s life as “a testament lived in sacrifice, dedication, and selfless service” to the people of South Africa.
ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said Mboweni would be remembered for his connection with the people he served.
“Comrade Tito will be remembered not only for his immense contributions to the economy, but also for his unwavering connection to the people he served.
“His legacy of dedication, innovation, and service will remain a guiding light for generations to come.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Mboweni family, ANC structures and all South Africans who mourn the loss of this great man.”
She added that Mboweni’s influence extended beyond traditional economic spaces, as he was known for his activity on social media, where he engaged with the public on issues both serious and light-hearted.
“He often shared personal insights into his life, including his culinary interests and his passion for the culture of his hometown, Modjadjiskloof,” Bhengu-Motsiri said.
The Economic Freedom Fighters expressed their condolences and described Mboweni as a radical and unconventional policy idealist.
“While we often found ourselves at odds with the former minister on policy matters — disagreeing with his neoliberal and orthodox approach to economic policy — and engaged in heated debates in public, parliament, and private discussions, Dr Mboweni was always open to robust, frank and intellectual exchanges. Despite our differences, he did not shy away from engaging in rigorous debate.
“He was even known for proposing more radical and unconventional policy ideas, which, for someone with his background, surprised many,” the Red Berets said.”
Tributes Pour In for Former Finance Minister Tito Mboweni