South Africa Mourns the Death of Tito Mboweni, Former Minister for Labour and Finance

Tito Mboweni, South Africa's first Minister for Labour after the end of apartheid, has passed away at the age of 65. Local media reported on Saturday night, October 12, that Mboweni died in a Johannesburg hospital surrounded by family, following a short illness.

Mboweni, a prominent anti-apartheid activist, was appointed as the first Minister for Labour in democratic South Africa, serving from 1994 to 1999 under the leadership of the nation's Founding President, Nelson Mandela. His tenure was marked by efforts to reshape the country’s labour laws, promoting equality and workers’ rights in post-apartheid South Africa.

In addition to his role in labour reform, Mboweni was appointed Governor of the South African Reserve Bank in 1999, where he served for a decade. His contributions to economic policy during this period earned him widespread recognition as a key figure in stabilizing South Africa's economy.

Mboweni later became Minister of Finance during the first term of current President Cyril Ramaphosa. On October 11, the Presidency released a statement in which Ramaphosa praised Mboweni as "a leader and compatriot who served our nation as an activist, economic policy innovator, and champion of labour rights." Ramaphosa added that Mboweni's death comes as a shock, given his vitality and deep engagement with fellow South Africans.

Mboweni leaves behind a legacy of public service, economic reform, and dedication to the fight for justice and equality in South Africa.