President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his condolences to family and friends of Dr Tito Mboweni

13 October 2024

President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the passing of former Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and Labour and Finance Minister Dr Tito Mboweni at the age of 65.

President Ramaphosa offers his condolences to the family and friends of Dr Mboweni who has passed away following a short illness.

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

He served as Governor of the South African Reserve Bank for a decade from 1999.

From 2018 to 2021, Dr Mboweni served as Minister of Finance in the administration led by President Ramaphosa.

President Ramaphosa said: “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.”

Issued by Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President, 13 October 2024

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Parliament’s statement on the sad passing of former Minister Dr Mboweni

13 October 2024

The Presiding Officers of Parliament, National Assembly Speaker Ms Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces Chairperson Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane express their heartfelt condolences on the passing of Dr Tito Mboweni.
 
Dr Mboweni 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.
 
Dr 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.
 
As one of the first generation of members of the first post-apartheid Parliament, Dr Mboweni contributed to the establishment of laws and policies aimed at dismantling the legacy of apartheid and building a more inclusive and just society.
 
As the first Black Governor of the South African Reserve Bank in 1999, his tenure was marked by visionary leadership and transformation. 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. Under his guidance, the Reserve Bank was not only a guardian of economic stability but also a symbol of transformation and progress.
 
Said the Presiding Officers: "Dr 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. 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."

DA mourns the passing of Dr Tito Mboweni, former Minister of Finance

13 October 2024

The Democratic Alliance is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Tito Mboweni at the age of 65, following a brief illness.

Dr Mboweni’s legacy in South African politics is long and significant. He served as Minister of Labour in President Nelson Mandela’s cabinet, later becoming an astute and respected governor of the South African Reserve Bank. In 2018, he returned to public service as Minister of Finance in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet, where he was both dynamic and pragmatic in his approach to managing the country's finances.

Dr Mboweni was a steadfast opponent of corruption and consistently championed fiscal responsibility. He worked tirelessly to steer the economy toward growth while mitigating the impact of rising debt levels. He will be remembered as a patriot who stood for what was right, even in challenging times, and as a humble and principled man at heart.

The DA extends its heartfelt condolences to Dr Mboweni’s family and loved ones. His passing is a profound loss for South Africa, and his contributions to strengthening democracy and improving the lives of all South Africans will not be forgotten.

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COSATU shocked by the passing of former SARB Governor Tito Mboweni

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is shocked by the passing of former South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor and Minister for Labour and Finance, Mr. Tito Mboweni.  We wish the Mboweni family, his friends and comrades well during this painful period of mourning.

Governor Mboweni played his part in the journey to liberate South Africa and build a democratic non-racial, non-sexist nation.  He came a long way from the poverty-stricken village of Bordeaux and the broader community of Tzaneen, Limpopo. 

His path from Bankuna High School in Nkowankowa, to Minister for Labour and later Finance and Governor of SARB will inspire many young people and that whilst South Africa continues to be a society painfully scarred by inequality, it is one where the shackles of apartheid and discrimination are being dismantled and the doors of learning and opportunity are steadily being opened.  He believed education was a lifelong journey and was correctly proud of his accomplishments at the Universities of Lesotho at Roma and East Anglia in Britain.

Whilst COSATU sparred with comrade Mboweni many a time during his tenure at Treasury and the SARB, we never doubted his integrity or principles.  He was part of a generation of leadership who showed that one could occupy the highest echelons of power and not fall prey to the temptation to loot.  Mboweni was forthright in his views and where he agreed, he would acknowledge, and where he disagreed, he would be honest and say why.  He relished a debate and was keen to play his role as an elder statesman in a society battling to find its place.

Despite our robust engagements and disagreements, we respect and appreciate the historic role he played as the democratic South Africa’s first Minister for Labour where he played a key role in putting in place the many progressive labour laws that today enshrine millions of workers’ rights to form trade unions, collective bargaining and to strike, that set minimum conditions for service and protect the rights of the most vulnerable and exploited.  He was a founding father to Nedlac, our statutory social dialogue forum where government, labour and business have been able to craft wide ranging solutions and interventions to many of society’s formidable socio-economic challenges, in particular those affecting the working class.

It was fitting that in his final chapter, Governor Mboweni, proudly returned to his community, Makgobaskloof, and became a relentless ambassador for tourism for this untapped corner of the nation.   His larger-than-life personality will be missed.  The Federation offers its best sympathies and support to his family, friends and comrades, and his home, our ally, the African National Congress.

Hamba Kahle Governor.

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ActionSA on the passing of Mr Tito Mboweni, Former Minister and Reserve Bank Governor

13 October 2024

ActionSA wishes to convey its condolences on the passing of Mr Tito Mboweni, former anti-apartheid fighter, Labour Minister, South African Reserve Bank Governor, and Finance Minister.

As someone who has actively taken part in events leading to the end of apartheid, the ushering of the democratic era and, in his own unique ways, in often pushing back even against the excesses of his own comrades in favour of reason, it is safe to say that Mr Mboweni has lived a full life of an activist for good. This is despite the relatively young age of his passing.

We express our most sincere condolences to Mr Mboweni’s immediate family and other loved ones, as well to his friends in the ANC and elsewhere who have always him in high esteem. 

Our country needs more, not less, of voices like that of Mr Mboweni, that were able to rise to call for order even in noisy, crowded rooms where balanced reasoning seem to have no place.

Issued by Herman Mashaba, President, ActionSA, 13 October 2024

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Condolences for the Passing of Tito Mboweni

13 October 2024

The FW de Klerk Foundation is saddened to learn about the passing of former Finance Minister Tito Mboweni and wishes to extend its sincere condolences to his family. 

Mr. Mboweni will be remembered for his outstanding contribution in shaping work relations post 1994 during his tenure as Minister of Labour under President Mandela, ensuring good fiscal governance as Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and promoting economic stability as Minister of Finance. Throughout his distinguished political career, he remained first and foremost a dedicated servant to the public. 

Issued by FW de Klerk Foundation, 13 October 2024

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EFF statement on the passing of Dr Tito Mboweni

13 October 2024

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) joins the nation in mouming the loss of Dr. Tito Mboweni, our former Reserve Bank Governor, Labour and Finance Minister.

The former Governor was one of the early deployees of the former liberation movement in government and played a central role in South Africa's transition, particularly in the formulation of economic policies for post-apartheid South Africa. Dr. Mboweni remained a significant figure in South African politics over an extended period, culminating in his appointment as Minister of Finance, which became his last official position in government.

Many will remember the former Minister for his role in the establishment of the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC), which became a key platform for negotiation between labour, business, and government. Dr. Mboweni was also the first African Governor of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), a position he held with immense pride and undoubtedly great excitement. He was appointed in 1999, and the Reserve Bank adopted the inflation targeting policy in 2000 under Mboweni's leadership, which led to a significant change in South Africa's monetary policy.

While we often found ourselves at odds with the former Minister on policy matters—disagreeing with his neoliberal and orthodox approach to economic policy—and engaged in heated debates in public, parliament, and private discussions, Dr. Mboweni was always open to robust, frank, and intellectual exchanges. Despite our differences, he did not shy away from engaging in rigorous debate.

He was even known for proposing more radical and unconventional policy ideas, which, for someone with his background, surprised many. Notably, Dr. Mboweni advocated for the creation of a state-owned bank, a sovereign wealth fund, and the nationalisation of the SARB, as articulated in one of his social media posts that became a defining point in our debates with him, as this came as a surprise.

Upon his appointment as Finance Minister, Mboweni was adamant about creating a state bank. However, unfortunately, officials within the National Treasury disobeyed his instructions and failed to implement what was clearly presented in one of his budget speeches in Parliament.

Many will also remember Mboweni for his culinary exploits, which he often shared on social media during his retirement. His kitchen adventures, though humorous to some, featured what many perceived as overcooked chicken or simple late-night snacks, such as meals prepared with pilchard tins.

Our profound condolences to his family, friends and ANC. Go well Dr. Tito Mboweni!

Salute!

Issued by Leigh-Ann Mathys, National Spokesperson, EFF, 13 October 2024