Pioneering South African politician dies aged 65

Tito Mboweni, the first black governor of the South African Reserve Bank and former finance minister, has passed away at the age of 65. His death was confirmed by the presidency on Saturday evening, following a brief illness, although specific details were not disclosed.

President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed profound sorrow at Mboweni’s passing, stating, “We have lost a leader and compatriot who has served our nation as an activist, economic policy innovator, and champion of labour rights.” Mboweni’s family shared their devastation, revealing that he died in a Johannesburg hospital surrounded by loved ones.

A prominent anti-apartheid activist, Mboweni spent nearly a decade in exile in Lesotho, where he pursued his university education. He later obtained a master’s degree from the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom. In reflecting on his diverse upbringing, Mboweni once remarked, “I suppose you can call me an exile kid, an international kid born in South Africa… But my home is in South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique, the United Kingdom, Zambia, Angola, Tanzania, Swaziland, the USA, Switzerland, and everywhere I stayed in my youth. I hate narrow nationalism—I cannot stand it. I hate xenophobia.”

Mboweni returned to South Africa in 1990 and was appointed the first Minister of Labour under President Nelson Mandela. In this role, he was instrumental in shaping post-apartheid labour laws, establishing frameworks for collective bargaining and creating labour courts to safeguard workers’ rights. His principled stance and willingness to engage in open debates earned him respect, as noted by News24.

Known for his unassuming style, Mboweni often wore worn clothing and shoes, further enhancing his earnest public persona. His decade-long tenure as governor of the Reserve Bank was marked by significant achievements; he was recognized as Central Bank Governor of the Year by the financial magazine Euromoney. The publication praised his effectiveness in controlling inflation, which became a hallmark of his leadership.

Following his successful term at the Reserve Bank, Mboweni transitioned into the private sector, including a role as an international adviser at Goldman Sachs. His expertise was later tapped when he was appointed finance minister in President Ramaphosa’s administration from 2018 to 2021. Mboweni was credited with stabilizing the economy during a challenging period, despite having expressed concerns months prior about his longevity in public office. He famously tweeted, “Against the wisdom of my team, please don’t tell them this. It’s between us, I am not available for minister of finance. You cannot recycle the same people all over again. It is time for young people. We are available for advisory roles. Not cabinet. We have done that.”

In his later years, Mboweni endeared himself to the South African public through his relaxed lifestyle and humorous cooking posts on social media. He often shared recipes and interacted with his followers, showcasing a different side of his personality.

Upon hearing the news of his death, many took to social media to express their condolences and share memories. One follower poignantly remarked, “He’s left shoes too big to fill,” encapsulating the impact Mboweni had on the nation.

Mboweni’s legacy as a trailblazer in South Africa’s financial and political landscape will be remembered by many. His commitment to advocating for workers’ rights and his role in shaping the country’s economic policies have left an indelible mark. As South Africa reflects on his contributions, the nation mourns the loss of a dedicated leader and champion for change.