Former South African finance minister and anti-apartheid activist, Tito Mboweni, passed away at the age of 65 on Saturday, following a brief illness.
According to News 24, “His death was confirmed by the South African presidency in a statement on Sunday, marking the end of a remarkable political and public service career.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences, describing Mboweni’s passing as “a shock,” especially given his “vitality, energetic engagement, and affable nature” with South Africans.
“His life was a testament to sacrifice, dedication, and selfless service to the people of South Africa,” Ramaphosa added.
Mboweni, who passed away surrounded by his family, played a pivotal role in South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy. After living in exile in Lesotho during the 1980s, he returned to South Africa in 1990.
He was appointed as the country’s first post-apartheid labour minister, serving from 1994 to 1998. During this time, he was widely praised as the architect of the country’s new labour laws, which aimed to protect workers’ rights in the new democratic South Africa.
His career continued as governor of the South African Reserve Bank from 1999 to 2009, a decade in which he oversaw significant economic policies. In 2018, Mboweni was appointed finance minister, a role he held until his retirement from public service in 2021.
He was noted for his fiscal discipline, especially in navigating the economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Outside of politics, Mboweni had a presence in the private sector and won over many South Africans with his lighthearted social media posts, often sharing his passion for cooking and engaging with his followers online.
The African National Congress paid tribute to Mboweni, calling him a symbol of “dedication, selflessness, and service” to the nation.
His contributions to South Africa’s economic and political landscape, both during and after apartheid, leave a lasting legacy.
Mboweni’s death has left many South Africans mourning the loss of a man who served his country with dedication and integrity.
