By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former finance minister, SA Reserve Bank Governor and African National Congress (ANC) stalwart Dr Tito Titus Mboweni was laid to rest in Sasekane Village, Tzaneen on Saturday.
Dr Mboweni, 65, died on Saturday, October 12 after a brief illness.
President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a Special Official Funeral Category 2 in honour of Dr Mboweni.
There was a demonstrable crowd of yellow in the stands in Nkowankowa stadium, while VIP guests included government and ANC leaders such as Gwede Mantashe, Fikile Mbalula, Nomvula Monkonyane, David Mabuza, Thabo Mbeki and the leader of the EFF, Julius Malema, Dali Mpofu and Vuyani Pambo, were among those who came out to say their final goodbyes.
Sello Nkateko Mboweni, one of Mboweni’s sons, delivered his speech flanked by his brothers Tumi and Pule, said his dad was special, had a good heart, he valued everyone, listened to everyone and made everyone feel important.
“My father lived with a sense of quiet pride and defiance, he faced life’s challenges with his head held high and he never wavered on his beliefs or his love for those around him.
“He gave so much of himself to us, his time, energy and most importantly, his love,” said Sello, saying he spread his love with his children, siblings and lovers.
Sello said Mboweni’s life was one lived with strong values for family, and love, and that their journey together had not yet ended, he would forever guide them.
He said Mboweni taught him and his siblings to be united as a family.
Sharing the same words, family representative Manias Mboweni said Mboweni left a great legacy for his family and country and thanked the ANC for supporting him in his journey.
He said the late Mboweni never believed in corruption and the word never existed in vocabulary.
He stated that they would remember him as a great man.
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy and reflected on Mboweni as a friend, a comrade and a prudent finance minister who was unbothered by those who teased him about his worn brown shoes.
Ramaphosa praised Mboweni’s humility and humanity.
“He was respected by leading economists, titans of business, labour leaders and ordinary people in our country.”
“Yet despite his stature and profile, he never lost the common touch. He had a gift to connect to people. He understood them and he had a way to make people feel special and made them have a sense that they mattered.”
“He could relate to people from all walks of life. He was an empathetic man. He valued character over pedigree. And he was no cynic. He looked for the good in each person – and usually found it.”
Ramaphosa said the nation would remember Mboweni’s aversion to a flashy lifestyle.
“Tito Mboweni wasn’t just incorruptible. He wasn’t just an avowed enemy of corruption throughout his life in public office.
“In time we will look back at those social media posts of Tito defending his infamous brown shoes that had seen better days.
“We may then read what was perhaps the deeper, intended meaning: That when you hold public office when you are entrusted with leadership, you must be of the people. Not standing above them, not looking down on them.”
Ramaphosa said the country was better off for Mboweni’s steadfastness and resilience as minister.
“As we bid you farewell my brother, my comrade, my fellow fly fisherman, your legacy is of a successful transformation from a freedom fighter to a businessman, central banker, and politician.
“You were a true servant leader, admired and loved by the people. You delivered on what was required of you.
“You acquitted yourself with dignity and with honour in the ANC, in government and beyond. You depart this world with that dignity, that honour and that reputation intact.”
“You did not disgrace or betray your movement or the people of this country. You were a credit and an asset to both.”
“This is the most we can hope for as leaders. This is the highest we should aspire to.”
After Ramaphosa’s remarks, a procession led Mboweni’s body to the Bordeaux (eBodweni) cemetery where the former minister was laid to rest.
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. Dr Mboweni also served as Minister of Finance in the administration led by Ramaphosa from 2018 to 2021.