Tito Mboweni, wey be di first Black governor of di South African Reserve Bank, don die at di age of 65. Di news of his death come out on Saturday evening, and according to di Office of di Presidency, he die after a short illness.
Mboweni serve as di governor of di central bank from 1999 to 2009 and later become di finance minister from October 2018 until August 2021. President Cyril Ramaphosa express his grief, saying, “We lost a comrade who was an activist, economic policy maker, and champion of labor rights.” Ramaphosa highlight Mboweni’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and economic reform during his tenure as both governor and finance minister.
Mboweni play a crucial role in increasing South Africa‘s foreign-exchange reserves from under $10 billion to nearly $40 billion during his time at di central bank. He also implement inflation targeting and ensure price stability in post-apartheid South Africa. After leaving di central bank, he work in di private sector, serving as an advisor for Goldman Sachs Group Inc. in South Africa and as chairman at AngloGold Ashanti Ltd.
In his political career, Mboweni serve as labor minister from 1994 to 1998 after South Africa’s first all-race elections. He was known for being di architect of South Africa’s post-apartheid labor legislation. Mboweni also gain popularity in his last years for his humorous cooking content on social media.
Di African National Congress (ANC) describe his life as “a testament to a life lived in sacrifice, dedication, and selfless service to di people of South Africa.” His passing come as a shock to many, given his energetic and affable engagement with fellow South Africans.
