'We have lost a leader': Former Minister Tito Mboweni has died

JOHANNESBURG - Former Minister of Finance and South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor, Tito Titus Mboweni, has died, aged 65.

The Mboweni family confirmed his passing on Saturday night, with family representative Alto Mboweni saying he died in hospital surrounded by his loved ones.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement that Mboweni's shock passing was a "great loss".

“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 said. 

Mboweni was democratic South Africa's first labour minister, serving in former president Nelson Mandela's Cabinet from 1994 to 1999.

He served as SARB Governor from 1999 to 2009 before becoming minister of finance in Ramaphosa's administration, from 2018 until his retirement in 2021.

“Tito Mboweni distinguished himself in different strategic roles in the private sector and was a flag bearer in global forums for our economy and developing economies more broadly.

“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," said Ramaphosa.

“His passing is a great loss. May his soul rest in peace.”