By BAKANG MOKOTO
16 October 2024- Tributes continue to pour in for the former South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor, Tito Mboweni, who passed away on 12 October 2024, at the age of 65. The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has declared a special official funeral category 2, in honour of Mboweni.
Ramaphosa said Mboweni was the democratic South Africa’s first Minister of Labour from 1994 to 1999 in the Cabinet of Founding President, the late Dr Nelson Mandela.
“He served as Governor for a decade from 1999. From 2018 to 2021, Mboweni served as Minister of Finance. We would like to reiterate our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mboweni.
“He served the nation as an activist, economic policy innovator and champion of labour rights, wit-h a sharp focus on fiscal discipline and economic transformation. Mboweni has been accorded a special official funeral category 2, which will take place at Nkowankowa Stadium, Tzaneen, Limpopo on Saturday at 10am,” he said.
According to Ramaphosa, the funeral will feature ceremonial elements provided by the South African Police Service (SAPS). He further said he has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations from 16 until the evening of 19 October 2024.
The National Assembly (NA) Speaker, Thoko Didiza described Mboweni as 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.
“He laid 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,” she said.
Didiza further said in this role, Mboweni 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 added that 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.
Meanwhile, the ANC Veterans League president, Snuki Zikalala said: “We salute the legacy of Mboweni. We are shocked and saddened by his sudden passing. He is one of the ANC’s best sons, serving the ANC and the government in many capacities, including as the Minister of Labour, Finance, and Reserve Bank Governor.”
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