On 12 October 2024, South Africa lost a leader and compatriot who served the nation as an activist, economic policy innovator, and champion of labour rights.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep sadness over the passing of former South African Reserve Bank Governor, and former Minister of Labour and Finance, Dr Tito Mboweni, at the age of 65.
“Given his vitality, and his energetic and affable engagement with fellow South Africans, Dr Mboweni’s passing at 65 comes as a shock,” President Ramaphosa said.
In the Cabinet of Founding President Nelson Mandela, Dr Mboweni was South Africa’s first democratic Minister of Labour from 1994 to 1999. He then 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 President Ramaphosa’s administration.
Ramaphosa highlighted Dr Mboweni’s sharp focus on fiscal discipline and economic transformation, both as Governor and as Finance Minister. “Tito Mboweni distinguished himself in various strategic roles in the private sector and was a flag bearer for our economy and developing economies more broadly in global forums,” President Ramaphosa added.
President Ramaphosa extended his condolences to the family and friends of Dr Mboweni, whose passing followed a short illness. “His death is a great loss. May his soul rest in peace,” said President Ramaphosa.
