Ramaphosa grants Tito Mboweni a state funeral

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a Special Official Funeral Category 2 to honour former Finance Minister Tito Mboweni.

The funeral service of Mboweni, who passed away on Saturday, 12 October, at age 65, will take place at Nkowankowa Stadium in Tzaneen, Limpopo, on Saturday, 19 October. 

TITO MBOWENI HONOURED WITH A STATE FUNERAL 

A Special Provincial Official Funeral Category 2 is reserved for distinguished persons specifically designated by the President of South Africa on request by the Premier of a Province.

The Presidency said the funeral will feature ceremonial elements provided by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

President Ramaphosa has also directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations from Wednesday, 16 October,  until the evening of the funeral on 19 October. 

CONDOLENCES CONTINUE TO POUR IN

Condolences continue to pour in for Mboweni who was the country’s first labour minister under the country’s first black democratically elected president Nelson Mandela.

The African National Congress (ANC) which Mboweni joined in 1985 said he was a critical architect of the country’s post-apartheid labour legislation laying the foundation for collective bargaining and establishing labour courts to uphold the rights of workers.

“Tito will be remembered not only for his immense contributions to the economy, but for his unwavering connection to the people he served. His legacy of dedication, innovation and service will remain a guiding light for generations to come,” ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said.

Following his passing, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the country has lost a leader and compatriot who has served the 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,” the president said. 

Further, Ramaphosa said 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 and ambassador for Modjadjiskloof culinary traditions. His passing is a great loss. May his soul rest in peace.”

On Tuesday afternoon, 15 October, secretary-general led a delegation to extend condolences to Mboweni’s family home in Killarney, Johannesburg.

Mbalula said Mboweni should be remembered as a simple, revered leader who was always generous in sharing his experience with others.