Tito Mboweni dies at 65: We have lost a leader and compatriot, says president

Tito Mboweni has passed away at 65, with President Cyril Ramaphosa hailing his contributions to South Africa and his unique presence on social media.

5 hours ago
Andrea van Wyk 3 minutes read
Tito Mboweni (65). Photo: GCIS

The death of Tito Mboweni (65), former reserve bank governor and labour and finance minister, has been described as a great loss by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“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,” Ramaphosa said in a statement on X after news of Mboweni’s passing broke last night.

Mboweni’s family released a statement to announce his passing last night.

“The family is devastated by Governor Mboweni’s passing after a short illness. He passed away in hospital in Johannesburg on Saturday night surrounded by his loved ones.”

Mboweni was the first Minister of Labour from 1994 to 1999 in the democratic South Africa, in the Cabinet of President Nelson Mandela.

He then served as the Governor of the South African Reserve Bank for 10 years from 1999 onward.

Mboweni returned to politics when he served as the Minister of Finance from 2018 to 2021 before he retired.

He was followed by many on social media where he regularly posted images and videos of his cooking. He described himself as the The Duke of the Duchy of Makgobaskloof on his X page, where he shared many photos and snippets of his life in Magoebaskloof.

“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,” Ramaphosa says.

According to him, Mboweni 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.”

Ramaphosa says Mboweni’s passing is a great loss.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

Read original story on www.citizen.co.za

5 hours ago
Andrea van Wyk 3 minutes read
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