South Africa is grieving the loss of Tito Mboweni, the first black central bank governor and former finance minister, who passed away at 65 after a brief illness. The presidency confirmed his death on Saturday, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping the nation's post-apartheid economic and labor policies. President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute, saying, "We have lost a leader and compatriot who has served our nation as an activist, economic policy innovator, and champion of labor rights."
Mboweni's journey was marked by his exile to Lesotho and education in the UK, where he shaped his international perspective, vehemently opposing narrow nationalism and xenophobia. Returning to South Africa post-exile, he became the first labor minister under Nelson Mandela, instrumental in establishing protections for workers.
Mboweni's tenure as reserve bank governor earned him accolades, including recognition from Euromoney for controlling inflation. His later role as finance minister stabilized the economy despite his initial reluctance. Known for his principled stance and down-to-earth demeanor, Mboweni charmed the nation with his social media presence, often sharing cooking adventures.
His family revealed he passed away in a Johannesburg hospital, surrounded by loved ones. South Africans continue to pay tribute, with one follower commenting on the void his passing leaves, "He's left shoes too big to fill."
Mboweni's journey was marked by his exile to Lesotho and education in the UK, where he shaped his international perspective, vehemently opposing narrow nationalism and xenophobia. Returning to South Africa post-exile, he became the first labor minister under Nelson Mandela, instrumental in establishing protections for workers.
Mboweni's tenure as reserve bank governor earned him accolades, including recognition from Euromoney for controlling inflation. His later role as finance minister stabilized the economy despite his initial reluctance. Known for his principled stance and down-to-earth demeanor, Mboweni charmed the nation with his social media presence, often sharing cooking adventures.
His family revealed he passed away in a Johannesburg hospital, surrounded by loved ones. South Africans continue to pay tribute, with one follower commenting on the void his passing leaves, "He's left shoes too big to fill."
