Former Finance Minister and Reserve Bank Governor Tito Mboweni Passes Away at 65

Former finance minister and Reserve Bank governor Tito Mboweni has passed away at the age of 65. His family released a statement late on Saturday night, expressing their devastation at his passing after a short illness. Mboweni died in a Johannesburg hospital, surrounded by his loved ones.

Mboweni made history as the first black governor of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), succeeding Chris Stals in 1999 and serving for a decade. Before his tenure at the SARB, Mboweni was a key figure in Nelson Mandela’s cabinet, serving as the labour minister from 1994 to 1999. In 2018, he returned to active politics when President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed him as finance minister, a role he held until his retirement in August 2021.

The only money that lasted the whole month..

RIP Tito Mboweni pic.twitter.com/8Q7w75foJt

— Zenzele Vilakazi (@AbdulStylist) October 12, 2024

Today, Friday 6 September 2024, I declare these gifts from @rajahsouthafrica pic.twitter.com/cs5BSiziiG

— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) September 6, 2024

Aside from his remarkable career, Mboweni had a deep love for cooking, frequently sharing his culinary creations with his social media followers on “X” (formerly Twitter). His posts were widely loved, and he became a beloved figure to millions online.

It is still THIS cold. So I decided to prepare the Duke’s chicken stew . Wait ! pic.twitter.com/a6J1CfOOEU

— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) September 22, 2024

Tito Mboweni is no more 🙊🙊🙊
What is short illness, guys? RIP pic.twitter.com/B9U9bg6l7r

— Maswele Ralebona ll (@MasweleRalebona) October 12, 2024

The Mboweni family has requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time, with further details expected to be shared in the coming days.

Tito Mboweni, a student at the time, leading a march in solidarity with the victims of the Maseru raid. pic.twitter.com/zLSxVatNE2

— Zikhona Valela (@valavoosh) October 12, 2024