South African Icon Tito Mboweni Passes Away at 65

The news of the passing of Dr. Tito Mboweni, former Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and Labour and Finance Minister, has sent shockwaves across the nation. President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deepest condolences to Mboweni’s family and friends, who have lost a leader and a champion of labour rights.

Mboweni, who was 65 years old, had a remarkable career spanning over three decades. He was the first Minister of Labour in the Cabinet of Founding President Nelson Mandela, serving from 1994 to 1999. He then went on to serve as Governor of the South African Reserve Bank for a decade, from 1999, and later as Minister of Finance from 2018 to 2021 under President Ramaphosa’s administration.

In his tribute, President Ramaphosa described Mboweni as a “leader and compatriot who has served our nation as an activist, economic policy innovator, and champion of labour rights.” He praised Mboweni’s sharp focus on fiscal discipline and economic transformation, as well as his ability to balance expert rigour with a personable touch that made him a social media star and ambassador for Modjadjiskloof’s culinary traditions.

Mboweni’s passing is a significant loss, not only for his family and friends but also for the nation. He will be remembered for his tireless efforts to promote economic growth, job creation, and social justice. As President Ramaphosa said, “His passing is a great loss. May his soul rest in peace.”