Tributes have been pouring in following the death of the former Finance Minister Tito Mboweni at the age of 65.
His family released a statement late on Saturday night announcing his passing.
“It is with deep sadness that the Mboweni Family announces the passing of former Reserve Bank governor and minister of finance Tito Titus Mboweni. 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 became the first black governor of the SARB in 1999, serving for a decade. Before that, he served as labour minister between 1994 and 1999, in Nelson Mandela’s cabinet.
He returned to politics in 2018 when President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed him finance minister. He retired in August 2021.
His cause of death is unclear at this stage, but the Mboweni family has requested privacy at this difficult time.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his sadness, offering his condolences to his family and friends.
“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. 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.”
Current Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said Mboweni served his country with immeasurable distinction.
“We have lost a titan. A thinker, a doer, and above all a patriot. I am lost for words and heart broken. It is hard to imagine the grief felt by those closest to him. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”
Mboweni was known for posting photos of his home-cooked meals on social media, with his last culinary display just before Heritage Day.
This is how it ended. I enjoyed them bones. Home cooked meals are great. pic.twitter.com/c469h5y907
— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) September 23, 2024
Former colleagues, those in government, prominent business people, friends and ordinary South Africans have all paid tribute to the former Minister on social media:
Rest in peace Tito Mboweni, the Duke of Makgoba’s Kloof and Earl of Killarney – my Comrade, friend and neighbour.
My brother, this is for your walk to the cooking lesson that I never gave you…#RIPTitoMboweni pic.twitter.com/AJxuMxL8d0
— Andries Nel (@umrabulo) October 13, 2024
I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Comrade Tito Mboweni. His passing is a profound loss for South Africa, as he was a dedicated public servant who played a crucial role in shaping the country’s economic policies. As the former… pic.twitter.com/80dgL15QHd
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) October 12, 2024
BLSA is saddened by the passing of Dr Tito Mboweni, the former Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and Labour and Finance Minister. His passing is a great loss to South Africa—condolences to his family, friends, and comrades. pic.twitter.com/Ub0ojKrAb7
— Business Leadership South Africa (@BLSA_Official) October 13, 2024
I still cannot believe that our Twitter Chef, Tito Mboweni, has passed away at only 65.
Some people just deserve to live longer. I honestly didn’t see this one coming.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
#RIPTitoMboweni pic.twitter.com/qoJ01VvopB
— P_MAX (@DDT_PM) October 12, 2024
Discovery Group chief executive Adrian Gore told News24 he is devastated:
“He was a senior board member of Discovery and a close friend. Tito had a massive impact on our country, our business, and on me.”
Details of Mboweni’s funeral are not yet known.
READ: Ramaphosa pays moving tribute at funeral of late Pravin Gordhan
