RIP: Former Finance Minister Tito Mboweni to be laid to rest

Former Finance Minister and South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor, Tito Mboweni to be laid to rest in Limpopo on Saturday in a category two special official funeral. Tito Mboweni, who passed away a week ago at the age of 64, succumbed to a short illness at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg.

His death marks the end of a distinguished career that spanned decades, during which he left an indelible mark on South Africa’s political and economic landscape.

Tito Mboweni’s contributions to the country are widely celebrated, from his time as Labour and Finance Minister to his tenure as the eighth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank.

Throughout his career, Mboweni was instrumental in shaping policies aimed at improving labour rights and fostering inclusive economic growth. His pragmatic approach to economic policy and his advocacy for fiscal discipline earned him both praise and criticism, but his legacy as a public servant remains strong.

As Labour Minister in the 1990s, Mboweni played a key role in driving reforms that improved labour conditions and strengthened workers’ rights in South Africa’s post-apartheid era.

He was widely credited with helping to lay the foundation for a more equitable labour framework, ensuring that workers’ voices were heard and protected. This commitment to economic inclusivity carried through to his later roles, particularly as Finance Minister and SARB Governor.

During his time as Finance Minister, from 2018 to 2021, Tito Mboweni became known for his strict adherence to fiscal austerity. His appointment came at a time when South Africa was grappling with a ballooning national debt, exacerbated by years of state capture, corruption, and costly bailouts to failing state-owned enterprises.

Mboweni, determined to rein in public spending, implemented a series of budget cuts and policies aimed at reducing the country’s deficit. While these measures were seen as necessary to prevent a fiscal crisis, they also drew significant backlash, particularly from public sector unions.

Unions often criticized Mboweni’s austerity measures, accusing him of being overly harsh in cutting public sector wages and reducing government expenditure. However, Mboweni maintained that these steps were crucial for the long-term economic health of the country, given the mounting debt and the strain on the national budget. Despite the challenges, he remained steadfast in his commitment to fiscal responsibility, a stance that earned him both respect and criticism from different quarters.

Though his role as Finance Minister was undoubtedly important, Mboweni himself admitted that it wasn’t his favorite job. His real passion lay in his earlier tenure as the Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, a position he held from 1999 to 2009. It was during this time that Mboweni solidified his reputation as a skilled economist and policy-maker. Under his leadership, the Reserve Bank navigated turbulent global financial conditions, including the 2008 financial crisis, with Mboweni earning high praise for his steady hand and prudent monetary policy decisions. His work as Governor helped to strengthen South Africa’s financial institutions and ensure economic stability in a challenging global environment.

Mboweni’s funeral, taking place at Nkowankowa Stadium outside Tzaneen, is expected to draw a large crowd of mourners, including friends, family, members of the political and economic community, as well as international dignitaries.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the eulogy, reflecting on Mboweni’s contributions to South Africa and his legacy as one of the country’s most prominent public figures. Meanwhile, former President Thabo Mbeki, with whom Mboweni worked closely during his presidency, arrived in Limpopo on Saturday morning to pay his respects, underscoring the deep respect Mboweni garnered throughout his career.

Earlier in the day, Mboweni’s family held a private service in Magoebaskloof, his beloved hometown, where he spent much of his later life after retiring from public office. Known affectionately as the “Duke of Magoebaskloof,” Mboweni was deeply connected to the Limpopo region, and it is fitting that he will be laid to rest in the place he called home.

Tito Mboweni’s passing has left a void in South Africa’s political and economic spheres. His legacy as a champion of fiscal discipline, labour rights, and economic stability will be remembered for years to come. As the country bids farewell to this remarkable leader, his contributions to shaping South Africa’s post-apartheid economy will undoubtedly be celebrated for generations.

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