President Paul Kagame paid tribute to Tito Mboweni, South Africa’s former finance minister and Reserve Bank governor, who passed away on October 12 at the age of 65.
Kagame described Mboweni as “a giant voice for Africa and a champion of continental integration.” Mboweni was well-respected in South Africa and recognized for his contributions to African Union (AU) reforms and the continent’s financial landscape.
In a post on X, Kagame expressed his condolences to Mboweni’s family, friends, and to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the nation. “His counsel was invaluable in the effort of reforming the African Union, and in recent years, he dedicated his energy to implementing the reform as chair of the AU Peace Fund. His legacy will live on for generations to come,” Kagame said.
Mboweni’s career included decades of public service. He became the first Black governor of South Africa’s Reserve Bank in 1999, serving in that role for ten years. He was also a member of Nelson Mandela’s cabinet as labor minister from 1994 to 1999. Mboweni returned to public office in 2018 when President Ramaphosa appointed him as finance minister, a position he held until his retirement in August 2021.
His family announced that he died in a Johannesburg hospital after a short illness.
Ramaphosa expressed shock at Mboweni’s passing, stating, “We have lost a leader and compatriot who has served our nation as an activist, economic policy innovator, and champion of labor rights.” He noted Mboweni’s emphasis on fiscal discipline and economic transformation during his tenure.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AU Commission, also expressed his condolences, stating, “Continentally, his rigorous thought leadership and strategic vision for the #AUReforms and the #AUPeaceFund, of which he was Chair, cannot be overstated. Hambe Kahle, my Brother.”
