Picture: Former Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni
By BAKANG MOKOTO
13 October 2024 – Heartfelt condolence messages continued to pour in after the passing of the former Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni (65). Mboweni died in hospital in Johannesburg on Saturday night after a short illness.
The Presiding Officers of Parliament, National Assembly (NA) speaker, Thoko Didiza and the Chairperson of National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, expressed their heartfelt condolences on the passing of Mboweni. Didiza said he was a distinguished and versatile people’s servant, who dedicated his life, passion and vast expertise to the service of the people of South Africa.
“Mboweni’s activism spanned both the struggle for freedom and the consolidation of democracy in our country. As a dedicated anti-apartheid activist, he passionately fought for justice, equality, and the
liberation of all South Africans, laying the groundwork for the democratic values he later championed in public service.
“After the dawn of democracy, he became the first Minister of Labour under the cabinet of President Nelson Mandela. In this role, he was instrumental in shaping South Africa’s labour policies during a critical time of transition, ensuring that the rights and dignity of workers were protected and enshrined in the new democratic order,” she said.
Didiza further said as one of the first generation of members of the first post-apartheid Parliament, Mboweni contributed to the establishment of laws and policies aimed at dismantling the legacy of apartheid and building a more inclusive and just society.
She added that as the first Black Governor of the South African Reserve Bank in 1999, his tenure was marked by visionary leadership and transformation.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane said although his stewardship of the Bank came during a turbulent period for the rand, his astute management ensured South Africa’s resilience in the face of global and local challenges.
She said under Mboweni’s guidance, the Reserve Bank was not only a guardian of economic stability, but also a symbol of transformation and progress.
“Mboweni’s legacy will forever be remembered for his unwavering commitment to building a better South Africa. He was a patriot who believed in the potential of this nation, and his work has left an indelible mark on the country’s democratic and economic institutions.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and comrades in the African National Congress (ANC). May his memory serve as a source of inspiration to us all, as we continue the work of building the South Africa he so tirelessly championed,” said Mtshweni-Tsipane.
The Guardian 