Tito Mboweni, South Africa’s former finance minister and the first black governor of the South African Reserve Bank, has died at the age of 65 following a brief illness. His family confirmed his passing in a statement released on Saturday night, announcing that Mboweni died peacefully in a Johannesburg hospital, surrounded by his loved ones.
Mboweni’s distinguished career spanned both political and economic spheres. He served as labour minister in Nelson Mandela’s cabinet from 1994 to 1998, where he played a key role in shaping post-apartheid labour laws. In 1999, he made history by becoming the first black governor of the Reserve Bank, a position he held for 10 years.
In 2018, Mboweni returned to public service as finance minister under President Cyril Ramaphosa, helping to guide South Africa through economic challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. He retired from public office in 2021.
President Ramaphosa expressed his sadness, calling Mboweni’s passing “a shock,” and described him as a dedicated public servant who brought vitality and passion to every role he took on. The African National Congress (ANC) praised Mboweni’s legacy of “selfless service” to the nation.
In his later years, Mboweni became a beloved figure on social media, sharing humorous posts and recipes, which endeared him to many South Africans.
The Mboweni family has requested privacy as they mourn their loss, with details on memorial services to be announced in the coming days.
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