Tito Titus Mboweni, South Africa’s first Minister of Labour after the end of Apartheid, has passed away at the age of 65.
Local media reported on Saturday night that Mboweni died in a Johannesburg hospital, surrounded by his loved ones, following a short illness.
A statement released by the Mboweni family late Saturday, October 12, confirmed the news, stating: “It is with deep sadness that the Mboweni Family announces the passing of former Reserve Bank governor and minister of finance Tito Titus Mboweni. The family is devastated by governor Mboweni’s passing after a short illness.”
Mboweni was a key figure in South Africa’s democratic transition, serving as the country’s first Minister of Labour in Nelson Mandela’s cabinet from 1994 to 1999.
In 1999, he became the first black governor of the South African Reserve Bank, where he served for a decade.
His return to active politics came in 2018 when President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed him as Minister of Finance, a role he held until his retirement in August 2021.
President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to Mboweni, calling him “a leader and compatriot who has served our nation as an activist, economic policy innovator, and champion of labour rights.”
He added, “Given his sense of vitality and energetic and affable engagement with fellow South Africans, Dr. Mboweni’s passing at 65 comes as a shock.”
Mboweni’s family has requested privacy as they mourn his loss.
Details about funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
