The world mourns the loss of a financial pioneer and visionary leader, Tito Mboweni, whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations. A former Minister of Finance and the first black Governor of the Reserve Bank of South Africa, his passing leaves a deep void not only in South Africa, but across the African continent.
Tito Mboweni was much more than a politician, he was a committed intellectual and a dedicated servant of his country and Africa as a whole. I had the privilege of meeting him in 2023 when he was on the Advisory Board of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in South Africa. Our discussions were enriching, addressing the challenges facing liberation movements and governance in Africa. His insights on balancing ideals, accountability and pragmatic leadership were both timely and essential to shaping a sustainable African future.
His life tells a story of transformation, intelligence and service. At the age of 21, he joined the ANC in exile in Lesotho, adopting an education-based approach to prepare the youth to govern once the struggle was over. His journey took him to key positions, from Minister of Labour in post-apartheid South Africa to Governor of the Reserve Bank for a decade.
Tito Mboweni was a strong advocate of intergenerational leadership, recognising the importance of involving young people in governance structures alongside seasoned leaders. For him, the energy and innovation of younger generations, combined with the wisdom of seasoned leaders, was crucial to building sustainable governance.
He was a tireless advocate for transparent governance, stressing that “small elements of corruption” needed to be dealt with quickly to maintain public trust and renew political institutions. His commitment to transparent governance structures was unwavering, warning against the corrupting influences of power and calling for a confrontation of these intertwinements.
Tito Mboweni believed in the potential of a strong and effective African Union, seeing it as essential to defending the continent’s interests globally. His vision of pan-African solidarity extended to the diaspora, encouraging Africans abroad to stay connected to the continent’s progress. “A stronger African Union is better for Africa,” he often repeated.
As we reflect on Tito Mboweni’s legacy, we are reminded that the journey to liberation is an ongoing process. Political freedom is just the beginning; what follows must be the pursuit of inclusive governance, sustainable economic growth and integrity in leadership. His commitment to Africa’s transformation, a future based on justice, accountability and prosperity, serves as both a model and a call to action.
In tribute to his life, we must continue the work that Tito Mboweni championed. As he would have wished, we carry the torch – building an Africa where ideas prevail, power is exercised with integrity and each generation is empowered to shape the future. Rest in peace, Tito Mboweni. Your journey may have ended, but your legacy has only just begun.
Maxwell Gomera, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in South Africa and Director of the Africa Sustainable Finance Hub, leads the reflection on continuing Tito Mboweni’s work in building a strong and prosperous Africa.