Cape Town – Former finance minister and Reserve Bank governor Tito Mboweni has died.
He was 65.
Mboweni died on Saturday after a short illness.
His family expressed their devastation and requested privacy during this difficult time.
“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,” said the family.
President Cyril Ramaphosa conveyed his condolences, describing Mboweni as a leader and activist who championed fiscal discipline, economic transformation, and labor rights.
“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.
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… pic.twitter.com/71PWCdO4a6
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) October 12, 2024
“As governor and finance minister, he had a sharp focus on fiscal discipline and economic transformation,” Ramaphosa said.
Mboweni was South Africa’s first post-apartheid labor minister (1994-1999), served as Reserve Bank governor (1999-2009), and was finance minister from 2018 to 2021.
Ramaphosa highlighted Mboweni’s contributions both domestically and globally, noting his personable nature and influence.
“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,” the president said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
