By Blessing Chinagorom
The South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations from today Wednesday, 16 October 2024, to honor ex-Minister of Finance, Dr Tito Mboweni who passed away on Saturday, 12 October 2024, at the age of 65.
In a statement released by the Presidency on Tuesday while Ramaphosa declared Special Official Funeral Category 2 to also honour the ex-Minister, to take place at Nkowankowa Stadium, Tzaneen, Limpopo, at 10h00 on Saturday, 19 October 2024.
The President reiterated his condolences to the family and friends of Dr Mboweni who served the nation as an activist, economic policy innovator and champion of labour rights, with a sharp focus on fiscal discipline and economic transformation.
Earlier, in his condolence message, Ramaphosa said: “Given his sense of vitality and energetic and affable engagement with fellow South Africans, Dr Mboweni’s passing at 65 comes as a shock.
According to him, “We have lost a leader and compatriot who has served our nation as an activist, economic policy innovator and champion of labour rights.
“As Governor and Finance Minister, he had a sharp focus on fiscal discipline and economic transformation.
“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, ambassador for Modjadjiskloof’s culinary traditions. His passing is a great loss. May his soul rest in peace”, the President mourned.
Dr Mboweni was the democratic South Africa’s first Minister of Labour from 1994 to 1999 in the Cabinet of Founding President Nelson Mandela. He served as Governor of the South African Reserve Bank for a decade from 1999.
From 2018 to 2021, Dr Mboweni served as Minister of Finance in the administration led by President Ramaphosa. The funeral will feature ceremonial elements provided by the South African Police Service.
