Mboweni hailed by Magoebaskloof residents for flying its flag high

JOHANNESBURG - Former Finance Minister Tito Mboweni has been hailed by residents in Magoebaskloof in Limpopo for flying its flag high.

Mboweni is set to be laid to rest on Saturday following his death a week ago.

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In addition to his contribution to the political and economic arena, Mboweni’s role in supporting Limpopo’s tourism sector is also one of his badges of honour.

Manager of Magoebaskloof Mountain Lodge, George Modiba said Mboweni was a champion for the area, helping to put the small town on the map.

“People are exposed to us through him, so that is what he has done for us. We cannot thank him enough for what he’s done not just for us but for Magoebaskloof as a whole. He supported all of us evenly. He wasn’t biased to just one establishment.”

Meanwhile, Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba has denied claims that government has reneged on its service delivery promises following a last-minute rush to prepare for Mboweni’s funeral.

Some roads leading to Mboweni’s home were refurbished this week, while water and electricity in some areas were reconnected, a move some locals believe is only a result of Mboweni’s funeral.

Speaking outside Mboweni’s childhood home in Sasekani Village on Friday night, Ramathuba admitted there are inefficiencies in service delivery.

“The concerns that residents have are genuine and they make sense.”

However, she said service delivery challenges are being addressed.

“Our people are complaining about a lack of water, which is something he was also sharply raising, and this is what we will do working with national government. The mandate in terms of water provision is with local government, municipalities, and national government.”