IN a moving farewell to one of South Africa’s most distinguished public servants, President Cyril Ramaphosa today honoured former Finance Minister Tito Mboweni as an incorruptible leader who answered his country’s call during its darkest hours. Speaking at the Special Official Funeral at Nkowankowa Stadium in Tzaneen, Ramaphosa painted a portrait of a man who seamlessly balanced global stature with common touch.
“He was a shining star that shined brightest in a maze of a dark period in the life of our country we called state capture,” Ramaphosa said, revealing how he had personally approached Mboweni to return to public service as Finance Minister during a critical period. “I just said ‘Comrade Tito, your country needs you to do another tour of service.'”
The President shared how Mboweni had agonized over giving up his private sector pursuits but ultimately chose public service, exemplifying his patriotic spirit. “Tito was a true patriot,” Ramaphosa emphasized, his voice heavy with emotion.
Drawing attention to Mboweni’s unique legacy, Ramaphosa recalled the former minister’s famous Aloe Ferox plant, which he would bring to Budget speeches as a symbol of fiscal discipline. “Through the Aloe Ferox, he sought to illustrate that like our country, it survives and thrives when times are tough,” the President explained.
In a touching personal moment, Ramaphosa spoke of their shared passion for trout fly fishing, comparing the skill of casting a line to prudent macroeconomic policy management. “I kept fearing that on Budget Day we would bring a dead trout fish to the National Assembly and talk about it,” he said, drawing gentle laughter from the mourners.
The President celebrated Mboweni’s remarkable journey from activist to the first black Reserve Bank Governor, noting his groundbreaking achievements in modernizing the institution and introducing inflation targeting. He praised Mboweni’s tenure as Labour Minister, where he “restored dignity to the workers of this country that had been denied them for centuries.”
Ramaphosa particularly highlighted Mboweni’s connection with younger South Africans, referencing his 1.5 million social media followers and even a chart-topping rap song named after him. “Who but Uncle Tito could share tips with followers on the best curry powder to cook a chicken with and impart economic education at the same time?” he remarked.
The President’s eulogy also touched on Mboweni’s personal qualities – his accessibility to journalists, his aversion to flashy lifestyles, and his famous brown shoes “that had seen better days.” These, Ramaphosa suggested, reflected a deeper philosophy: “When you hold public office, when you are entrusted with leadership, you must be of the people. Not standing above them, not looking down on them.”
Addressing the Mboweni family directly, Ramaphosa acknowledged their pain while assuring them of the nation’s shared grief. “You are all having to deal with the raw heartache from his death, but we want you to know that we are all feeling the pain together with you.”
In his concluding remarks, the President praised Mboweni’s successful transformation “from a freedom fighter to a businessman, central banker and politician,” noting that he departed “with dignity, honour and reputation intact.”
“You did not disgrace or betray your movement or the people of this country,” Ramaphosa said in his final farewell. “You were a credit and an asset to both. This is the most we can hope for as leaders. This is the highest we should aspire to.”
Tito Mboweni's tombstone. pic.twitter.com/E0zceJJJEl
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) October 19, 2024
The greatest to ever do it, the Duke of Magoebaskloof, The timeline chef. It’s amazing how you managed to bring us all together with your bad cooking . u Tito Mboweni wethu. Rest in peace Tito. Forever in our hearts ??? ?? pic.twitter.com/MYNUSbiBNI
— MaMhlanga Nompumelelo (@Mpumiln) October 19, 2024
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— Limpopo Chronicle (@LimChronicle) October 19, 2024
The Funeral procession of former mnister Tito Mboweni as it arrives at the Nkowankowa Stadium, Tzaneen.#ChronicleNews #RIPTitoMboweni pic.twitter.com/L6QsavOxiV
[IN PICTURES]: CIC @Julius_S_Malema with Commissar @vuyanipambo at the funeral service for Dr Tito Mboweni.
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) October 19, 2024
We will remember Dr Tito for his culinary exploits, which he often shared. His kitchen adventures and perceived as overcooked chicken.
RIP Mucanyi, Humana, Malwana! pic.twitter.com/VwWJE7xR1U