President Cyril Ramaphosa Mourns Passing of Tito Mboweni, Hails Former Minister as a True Leader

• President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the passing of former finance minister Tito Mboweni
• The former Governor of the South African Reserve Bank passed away in hospital after a short illness
• Ramaphosa touched on Mboweni's brilliance as a minister but also his lighter side on social media

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has spent a decade reporting on the South African political landscape, crime and social issues.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to former finance minister Dr Tito Mboweni, hailing him as a true leader. Ramaphosa made the comments following the news that Dr Mboweni had passed away at the age of 65.

The former minister’s family confirmed that he died in hospital after a short illness. His death comes weeks after another former finance minister, Pravin Gordhan, passed away.

Read also

Former premier Mbazima Shilowa sings Tito Mboweni's praises

Ramaphosa saddened by Mboweni’s passing

In an official statement, the president expressed how deeply saddened he was by the passing of the former Governor of the South African Reserve Bank:

“Given his sense of vitality and energetic and affable engagement with fellow South Africans, Dr Mboweni’s passing at 65 comes as a shock. We have lost a leader and compatriot who has served our nation as an activist, economic policy innovator and champion of labour rights."

Ramaphosa further touched on how Mboweni was a flag bearer for the country’s economy, helping to develop it more broadly.

While highlighting what made Mboweni a great minister and leader, Ramaphosa also touched on his lighter side, which many saw on social media.

“He conducted himself with expert rigour while maintaining the personable touch that made him a social media star and ambassador for Modjadjiskloof’s culinary traditions,” the president noted.

Read also

Jacob Zuma Then and Now: From exiled freedom fighter to leader of South Africa's official opposition

Former Johannesburg mayor remembers Mboweni

Following Mboweni’s passing, Briefly News reported how former City of Johannesburg executive mayor Mpho Phalatse paid tribute to him.

Phalatse took to social media to share a photo of her with the former Reserve Bank governor, saying he was his usual chirpy self the last time they met.

Mboweni’s death sent shockwaves across the country as it came weeks after the death of another former finance minister, Pravin Gordhan.

Source: Briefly News