On 19 October 2024, in Tzaneen, Limpopo, former South African President Thabo Mbeki delivered a poignant tribute to the late Tito Titus Mboweni, a man whose contributions spanned across the political and economic spheres of South Africa. Mboweni, who passed away after a short illness, was described by Mbeki as not only a comrade but a revolutionary leader whose commitment to the liberation of the country remained steadfast throughout his life.
Mbeki began his address with a deep sense of humility, remarking, “I stand here today to say farewell to a distinguished son of our people, Tito Titus Mboweni, whom we shall forever honour as a revolutionary, a comrade, and a friend.” He noted that Mboweni had specifically requested, in his written directives, for Mbeki to be among those who would deliver a eulogy at his funeral. Mbeki humbly accepted the honour, acknowledging Mboweni’s enduring legacy in the fight for freedom and democracy in South Africa.
The Legacy of a Liberator
Reflecting on Mboweni’s early involvement in the African National Congress (ANC), Mbeki highlighted the dangers that came with joining the organisation at a time when it was illegal under the apartheid regime. “We are forgetting that a mere four years before Freedom Day in April 1994, it was illegal and even treasonable to belong to Tito’s organisation, the African National Congress,” Mbeki said. He reminded the audience of the immense sacrifices made by countless South Africans, including the Mboweni family, during the struggle for liberation, noting that freedom was hard-won and “freedom was very costly in terms of the lives our people laid down.”
Mboweni’s commitment to the cause was evident from his youth. He joined the ANC knowing the dangers and possible consequences, including imprisonment, exile, or even death. Yet, as Mbeki noted, “When he made that commitment, he knew that this might cost him his life, but nevertheless stood by that commitment throughout the decades of his adult life.” Mboweni’s unwavering dedication to the liberation of South Africa is what made him a true patriot in the eyes of Mbeki and his comrades.
A Dedicated Leader in Post-Apartheid South Africa
Mbeki also spoke about Mboweni’s role in building a new, democratic South Africa. After the fall of apartheid, Mboweni’s contributions extended beyond the political realm and into the economic sector, where he served as Minister of Finance and Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. His leadership during these periods was crucial in shaping South Africa’s post-apartheid economic policies.
However, Mbeki was quick to emphasise that Mboweni never lost sight of his core values as a servant of the people. “Throughout this period… I always found it inspiring and energising to be serving in the same ANC and government structures with Tito, always assured that in him we had a cadre who would always correctly discharge his responsibilities as a leader and servant of our people.” His approach to governance was characterised by humility, dedication, and a sense of responsibility to uplift the nation.
Confronting Today’s Challenges
In his eulogy, Mbeki also touched on the pressing challenges facing South Africa today. Earlier this year, Mboweni had participated in discussions with the Thabo Mbeki Foundation’s Council of Advisors, where they acknowledged the “serious crisis” the country is facing, marked by high unemployment, widespread poverty, and persistent inequalities. Mboweni was deeply concerned about these issues and agreed with Mbeki that the crisis was exacerbated by counter-revolutionary forces seeking to undermine the ANC’s efforts to bring about a better life for all South Africans.
Both Mbeki and Mboweni advocated for a National Dialogue, an inclusive platform where South Africans from all walks of life could come together to discuss the future of the country. “We agreed that it was absolutely imperative that our nation as a whole should engage in a truly inclusive and first-ever National Dialogue to answer the questions – how do we pull our country out of its crisis and what do we want South Africa to look like tomorrow?” Mbeki recalled. He praised President Cyril Ramaphosa for taking up this call, expressing hope that the dialogue would provide a way forward for South Africa.
Honouring Mboweni’s Legacy
As South Africa grapples with its current political and economic challenges, Mbeki urged the nation to remember the revolutionary spirit that guided Mboweni throughout his life. He highlighted two critical tasks that Mboweni held dear: the need for an inclusive National Dialogue and the defence of the Democratic Revolution and its leader, the ANC. “To honour Comrade Tito and his legacy, our voices must ring out very loud and clear to promote these two strategic tasks, reaching out to all the relevant stakeholders, hoping that they will hear us,” Mbeki declared.
Mbeki’s tribute to Mboweni was not just a reflection on the past but a call to action for the future. He emphasised that Mboweni’s commitment to the people of South Africa should inspire current and future generations to continue the fight for a just and equal society. “As I have heard Comrade Tito say on occasion, I too will repeat – Those who have ears to hear, let them hear!”
A Farewell to a Friend
As he concluded his address, Mbeki expressed his personal sorrow at the loss of a close friend and comrade. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Mboweni family on behalf of himself, his wife Zanele, and the Thabo Mbeki Foundation. In his final words to Mboweni, Mbeki said, “Our dear Comrade Tito, please rest in eternal peace. We assure you of our commitment never to betray the cause you served throughout your adult life. Farewell, dear friend!”