Ramaphosa hails Mboweni for his contribution to SA’s labour and economic landscape

TZANEEN - President Cyril Ramaphosa has again hailed former Finance Minister Tito Mboweni for his contribution to the country’s labour and economic landscape.

Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy at Mboweni’s category two special official funeral in Limpopo on Saturday.

Mboweni, who was the first Labour Minister in democratic South Africa, died last week following a short illness at the age of 65.

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Ramaphosa has described Mboweni as a respected leader, friend, teacher, and compatriot.

The president said the late former minister wore many hats but remained consistent throughout.

“He was respected by leading economists, titans of business, labour leaders, and ordinary people in our country. Yet despite his stature and profile, he never lost the common touch. He had a gift to connect to people. He understood them, and he had a way to make people feel special and made them have a sense that they mattered."

Ramaphosa has also hailed Mboweni for his steady hand in the implementation of fiscal and monetary policy.

“He became Minister of Finance when the country was emerging from the era of state capture and as the country had to confront a devastating global pandemic.”

Family and close friends were expected to accompany Mboweni to his final resting place later on Saturday.