Tito Mboweni dies at 65: Former finance minister, reserve bank governor, and beloved ‘Twitter chef’
Former South African Finance Minister and Reserve Bank Governor Tito Mboweni has passed away at the age of 65. He died on 12 October 2024, in a Johannesburg hospital following a brief illness.
His family confirmed his death and requested privacy during this difficult time.
Mboweni had a distinguished career, making significant contributions to South Africa’s economic and political landscape. He became the first black governor of the South African Reserve Bank in 1999, a role he held for ten years, introducing inflation targeting to stabilize the economy.
Earlier, he served as Minister of Labour in Nelson Mandela’s cabinet, where he played a crucial role in shaping the country’s post-apartheid labour laws.
In 2018, Mboweni returned to public office as South Africa’s finance minister, leading efforts to reform the economy and address the nation’s growing debt. Beyond politics, he was also involved in the private sector and advisory roles.
His passing has drawn tributes from across the political and business sectors, reflecting on his leadership and unique contributions to the country.
Mboweni was not only known for his contributions to the economy but also for his humourous presence on social media, particularly his cooking skills.
Despite his many talents, Mboweni’s culinary attempts, often featuring simple dishes like tinned fish and chicken, became the subject of lighthearted jokes and memes online. South Africans affectionately teased him for his “below average” cooking, with his dishes frequently criticized for their lack of presentation and seasoning.
Mboweni embraced the jokes, sharing his meals with a dose of humour, making him endearing to many. His ability to laugh at himself and interact with the public in a relatable way cemented his popularity, even outside the political arena.