Family and friends bid Tito Mboweni farewell
The former Finance Minister and Reserve Bank Governor is set to be laid to rest in Limpopo on Saturday, in a category two special official funeral.
Tito Mboweni's funeral programme. Picture: X/@PresidencyZA
TZANEEN - Former Finance Minister and South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor, Tito Mboweni is set to laid to rest in Limpopo on Saturday, in a category two special official funeral.
Mboweni died a week ago at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg following a short illness.
From his time as Labour and Finance Minister to his time as Reserve Bank Governor, Mboweni has been hailed for his part in driving a policy framework for improved labour rights and inclusive economic growth.
During his time as Finance Minister between 2018 and 2021, Mboweni fashioned himself as a minister of austerity and budget cuts, one who would reduce the country’s burgeoning debt after years of state capture and bailouts to struggling parastatals.
His fiscal discipline and steady hand would also draw criticism from public sector unions, which accused Mboweni of being heavy-handed.
Admittedly, his stint as finance minister wasn’t his favourite job.
It was his time as the eighth Reserve Bank governor that would earn him his stripes.
Friends and family, the political and economic fraternity, as well as global leaders are expected to come out in their numbers at the Nkowankowa Stadium outside of Tzaneen to bid farewell to the Duke of Magoebaskloof.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the eulogy.
Meanwhile, former President Thabo Mbeki is among dignitaries who arrived in Limpopo on Saturday morning to pay their respects to Mboweni.
Mboweni’s family held a private service for him in Magoebaskloof earlier on in the day.