By Thapelo Molefe
One of South Africa’s most revered sons, Tito Mboweni, has been remembered as a visionary leader whose humility, integrity and passion for community development inspired many South Africans and made them feel like they counted.
Speaking at his funeral service in Limpopo on Saturday, government and business leaders highlighted Mboweni’s honesty and dedication to the public service, while his family said he was a man who believed in second chances.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, former president Thabo Mbeki and other dignitaries celebrated Mboweni’s life, legacy and immense contributions to the country.
He was an activist in the struggle against apartheid, played a formative role in developing the ANC’s economic policy, and served as the first labour minister overseeing labour laws that restored dignity to workers.
As the first black governor of the SA Reserve Bank, Mboweni modernised the bank, introduced inflation targeting and convened the first monetary policy committee meetings.
Later, as finance minister, he championed economic transformation, fiscal discipline and evidence-based policymaking.
Ramaphosa, who delivered a heartfelt eulogy, described Mboweni as a respected leader, friend, comrade, teacher, mentor and compatriot.
“He was known by many names to many different people: Comrade Tito, Uncle Tito, Gov8, erstwhile National Breadwinner, unpaid impresario for Lucky Star, The Duke of Magoebaskloof.
“He was larger than life because he led such a big life and touched the lives of many people,” the president said.
Ramaphosa said Mboweni “taught us” that the public service was noble and necessary and that one could serve with integrity and hold true to the important values, like faith and family.
“To me he was the shining star that shined brightest in a maze of a dark period in the life of our country we called state capture,” the president said.
He said the Bureau of Economic Research noted that he left an enduring legacy, and his popularity among the younger generation was evident in his social media presence and chart-topping rap songs.
Limpopo premier Phophi Ramathuba highlighted Mboweni’s deep connection to the province and his tireless efforts to promote its natural beauty and rich history.
“Tito Mboweni was a true ambassador for Limpopo, and his love for this land was evident in everything he did,” she said.
“From his social media campaigns showcasing Magoebaskloof’s beauty to his advocacy for improved healthcare and education, Mboweni’s commitment to community development was unwavering.”
Former CEO of Goldman Sachs for Sub-Saharan Africa, Colin Coleman, told hundreds of mourners that Mboweni’s honesty, humility and good governance should be a template for South Africans.
“Sharply in focus is a universally acclaimed and loved person who embodied the spirit of non-racialism and social democracy – a spirit South Africa now desperately needs to rediscover and embrace once again to honour his memory,” he said.
In a poignant tribute, Mboweni’s son, Sello, reflected on his father’s enduring legacy, remembering him as a man who believed in possibilities and second chances.
He described Mboweni as a man who took on life’s challenges with resilience and humour, never dwelling on the past or being held back by regrets.
“He believed that life was for living, for laughing and for forgiving. Not just others, but yourself as well,” he said.
Sello Mboweni fondly recalled his father’s ability to listen and make people feel valued.
“He had a way of simplifying life’s complexities, reminding us that at the end of the day, all we really have is each other,” he noted.
“He was kind to everyone, no matter who they were. He made people feel valued, listened to and cared for. And that’s a rare thing in this world.”
In a touching conclusion, he imagined his father as a guiding star in the night sky, symbolising steady reliability and guidance.
“You’ll always be a part of me, and I’ll carry your spirit with me every day. Keep on giving those life lessons up there and we’ll keep listening down here until we meet again,” he said.
As South Africa mourns the sudden loss of Mboweni who died after a short illness, his remarkable legacy will live on.
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