New generation of incorruptible public servants will help renew faith in govt - Ramaphosa

TZANEEN - President Cyril Ramaphosa says a new generation of incorruptible public servants will go a long way in renewing the public’s faith in government.

Ramaphosa made the comments while delivering the eulogy at former Finance Minister Tito Mboweni’s funeral in Limpopo on Saturday.

Mboweni died over a week ago following a short illness.

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

In 2018, Mboweni was appointed Finance Minister after what President Cyril Ramaphosa has labelled as the dark era of state capture.

At the time, Mboweni inherited a deeply troubled fiscus and was roped in as part of a broader plan to combat corruption and restore faith in the economy.

Ramaphosa said Mboweni’s aversion to a flashy lifestyle made him the perfect fit to handle the public purse.

“For Tito, when you hold public office, perceptions matter.”

While still far from the desired levels of growth, Ramaphosa has also credited Mboweni for helping to kickstart the economy post-COVID-19.

“With him at the helm, the National Treasury set itself on a collaborative course with the rest of government to restore policy and regulatory certainty.”

Ramaphosa said Mboweni would be remembered as an economic policymaker with an enduring legacy.

CHAMPION OF SMALL BUSINESS

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, meanwhile, said Mboweni was never out of touch with the challenges faced by South Africans.

Malema was among the dignitaries at Mboweni’s funeral, where he hailed the 65-year-old as a champion of small businesses and community development.

Since Mboweni’s death, political friends and foes have all put their differences aside to honour the life and times of the former South African Reserve Bank (SARB) governor.

Speaking on the sidelines of the funeral at the Nkowankowa Stadium outside of Tzaneen, Malema said Mboweni’s death was a major loss.

“He was a darling, he was a gentleman, and he was someone you could look forward to meeting. If that call came, you knew you would have an informed conversation.”