Tito Mboweni, South Africa’s former finance and labour minister and first Black central bank governor, has passed away at the age of 65 due to a brief illness. Business Unity South Africa (Busa) CEO, Cas Coovadia, has paid a heartfelt tribute to his friend and former finance minister, remembering him for his forward-thinking approach to developing economies and his genuine compassion for people.
Coovadia’s tribute highlights Mboweni’s remarkable legacy, from his days in exile to his instrumental role in shaping South Africa’s labour laws as the first minister of labour. He also excelled as the minister of finance and governor of the Reserve Bank, leaving a lasting impact on the country’s economic landscape.
What’s striking is that Coovadia had met with Mboweni just two months prior, and saw no signs of illness. He described Mboweni as his usual gregarious, friendly, and energetic self, making the news of his passing all the more shocking.
Mboweni’s accomplishments are a testament to his dedication to South Africa’s growth and development. As Coovadia so eloquently put it, Mboweni’s legacy will live on through his significant contributions to the country’s economic progress and his unwavering commitment to fairness and equality.