Obituary – Death – Cause of death News : Tito Mboweni, the first black governor of South Africa’s central bank and former finance minister, has passed away at the age of 65. The presidency confirmed his death, stating that he had been ‘shortly ill’. President Cyril Ramaphosa praised Mboweni as a leader, activist, and champion of labor rights.
Mboweni, a former anti-apartheid activist, spent almost a decade in exile in Lesotho before obtaining a master’s degree in Great Britain. He returned to South Africa in 1990 and played a key role in shaping post-apartheid labor law as the country’s first Minister of Labor under President Nelson Mandela.
Known for his principled stance and open debate on issues, Mboweni served as governor of the Reserve Bank for ten years, earning praise for bringing inflation under control. He later worked in the private sector and as finance minister in President Ramaphosa’s government, where he was credited with stabilizing the economy.
Despite his success, Mboweni maintained a laid-back lifestyle and connected with South Africans through social media, sharing cooking posts and interacting with followers. His passing has left a void in the nation, with one follower noting that he left behind “shoes too big to fill.”
Mboweni’s legacy as a trailblazer in South African politics and economics will be remembered for years to come. His dedication to serving the nation and advocating for labor rights has left an indelible mark on the country and its people.
Pioneering South African politician dies at 65
You can’t recycle the same people again. It’s time for young people. We are available for advisory roles , no cabinet. We did that,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
In his later years, he charmed South Africans with his laid-back lifestyle and humorous cooking posts, sharing recipes and interacting with followers on social media.
One follower commented after hearing of Mboweni’s death: “He left behind shoes too big to fill.”
What was Tito Mboweni known for?
Mboweni was known for being the first black governor of South Africa’s central bank and later serving as the country’s Minister of Finance.
What role did Tito Mboweni play in shaping post-apartheid labor law?
Mboweni played a key role in shaping post-apartheid labor law, laying the foundation for collective bargaining agreements and labor courts to protect workers’ rights.
What achievements did Tito Mboweni receive praise for during his tenure as governor of the Reserve Bank?
During his time as governor of the Reserve Bank, Mboweni received praise for bringing inflation under control. He was even named central bank governor of the year by the financial magazine Euromoney.
How was Tito Mboweni credited with stabilizing the economy during his time as finance minister?
During his tenure as finance minister in President Ramaphosa’s government, Mboweni was credited with stabilizing the economy and bringing stability to the country’s financial sector.
What was Tito Mboweni’s stance on the need for new leadership in government?
Despite taking on the role of finance minister, Mboweni had previously expressed the need for new blood in government leadership, stating that it was time for young people to take on more prominent roles.
Tito Mboweni, the first black governor of South Africa’s central bank and later the minister of finance, passed away at the age of 65. His death was confirmed by the presidency, stating that he was ‘shortly ill’. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences, highlighting Mboweni’s contributions as an activist, economic policy innovator, and champion of labor rights. Mboweni’s family shared their devastation at his passing, mentioning that he was surrounded by loved ones in a Johannesburg hospital.
Mboweni’s early years were marked by his involvement in the anti-apartheid movement, leading him to spend nearly a decade in exile in Lesotho. During this time, he pursued his education, eventually earning a master’s degree from the University of East Anglia in Great Britain. Despite his international experiences, Mboweni always considered South Africa his home, along with other countries where he had lived.
Upon returning to South Africa in 1990, Mboweni became the country’s first Minister of Labor under President Nelson Mandela. He played a pivotal role in shaping post-apartheid labor laws, laying the groundwork for collective bargaining agreements and labor courts. Known for his principled stance and open debates on various issues, Mboweni also made headlines for his preference for wearing worn-out clothes and shoes, adding to his serious public image.
During his tenure as governor of the Reserve Bank, Mboweni was recognized for his achievements in bringing inflation under control. His success in this role led to accolades such as being named central bank governor of the year by financial magazine Euromoney. Following his time in the public sector, Mboweni transitioned to the private sector, serving as an international advisor to Goldman Sachs.
In more recent years, Mboweni served as the finance minister in President Ramaphosa’s government from 2018 to 2021. Despite initially expressing reluctance to continue in the role due to his age, he was credited with stabilizing the economy during his tenure. Mboweni also engaged with the public through social media, sharing humorous cooking posts and recipes that endeared him to many South Africans.
The news of Mboweni’s passing left a void in the hearts of his followers, with one commenter noting that he had left behind shoes too big to fill. His legacy as a leader, activist, and advocate for labor rights will be remembered by many in South Africa and beyond.
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