ANC praises Mboweni, saying he 'took no nonsense' during his time in office

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) said that former finance minister and reserve bank governor, Tito Mboweni, did not give into political pressure during his time in public office, often making him unpopular among some circles.

The ANC visited Mboweni's home in Killarney on Tuesday to pay tribute to the 65-year-old following his passing last Saturday.

He died at Milpark Hospital following a short illness.

During his time at National Treasury, Mboweni implemented budget cuts in a bid to stabilise the country's ballooning debt.

One of Mboweni's biggest concerns was the eyewatering public sector wage bill, which accounts for a third of government expenditure.

Mboweni's austerity budget often led to him being criticised by unions and some politicians.

But ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said that Mboweni showed no fear or favour and protected the fiscus at all costs.

"We've lost, we're poorer without him as a movement and as a people."

ANC veteran Matthews Phosa also paid tribute to his long-time friend.

"Tito took no nonsense. Anything which would affect the liquidity of the country, he would not agree with."

Mboweni is set to be laid to rest in Tzaneen in Limpopo on Saturday.