First Black SARB Governor Tito Mboweni laid to rest

Former head of state President, Thabo Mbeki and Deputy President, David Mabuza were amongst hundreds of mourners who gathered at Nkowankowa Stadium, Tzaneen to bid farewell to former Minister of Finance, Labour, as well as the first black Governor of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), Tito Titus Mbowneni over the weekend, 19 October 2024.

Mboweni, who died at the age of 65 after a short illness was given a Special Official Funeral Service Category 2 in recognition of his contribution to the liberation struggle and becoming the youngest minister post 1994 when he was appointed Minister of Labour by former President Nelson Mandela.

During his tenure as SARB Governor which he served for 10 years, Mboweni was able to keep the South African monetary value competitive and consistent to the markets with his approach to monetary policies.

Born in Bodweni village and later moved to Sesakani, Mboweni remained humbled to his roots. His humanity was experienced by the people of his Tzaneen hometown where he constantly visited despite being based in the country’s capital.

On Friday prior to the funeral service, the residents of Sesakani were given an opportunity to view the casket of their leader who never lost touch with the people of the town that raised him.

Beyond politics and international figure, Mboweni was devoted to his church, and having his private funeral service at Roman Catholic Church in Haenertsburg outside Tzaneen was one of his wishes that were granted.

Speaking to mourners, Premier, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba did not mince her words when she spoke about the leadership Mboweni carried with him even after retiring from public office in 2022.

“He cared about the people of his area, and this is why he was part of the traditional leaders’ meetings. Tito used to call me while I was MEC for Health and asked me for advice on certain things because he is a man that never stopped learning,” said Ramathuba.

Giving the eulogy, President Cyril Ramaphosa said Tito Mboweni was larger than life because he led such a big, fulfilling life and touched the lives of many South African people, including internationally.

“Despite his statue and profile, he never lost the common touch. He had a gift to connect with and understand people and made them feel special. He taught us that public service is noble and necessary; that one can serve with integrity and hold true to the important values,” echoed Ramaphosa

Mboweni was buried next to his parents and siblings at Bodweni village and will be remembered for introducing legislation on collective bargaining, inflation targets, basic conditions of employment, labor relations laws that transformed the working environment.

He will solely be missed not only by his family and friends, but also his social media followers as a chef. He often took his unqualified cooking skills of garlic and chicken swimming in water and sharing with his followers, a tin fish lover and a humble servant. A man that served South Africans with distinction. EC