The Minister of Employment and Labour, Ms. Nomakhosazana Meth, has expressed heartfelt condolences on the passing of Mr. Tito Titus Mboweni, South Africa’s first Labour Minister. Appointed by the late former president Nelson Mandela in 1994, Mboweni played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s post-apartheid labour legislation.
Known for his extensive contributions to vital laws such as the Labour Relations Act and the Employment Equity Act, Mboweni laid a foundation for collective bargaining and ensuring workers’ rights in a transformed South Africa. His academic journey began with a BA Honours in Economics and Political Science from the National University of Lesotho, followed by a master’s in development economics from the University of East Anglia.
Mboweni’s influence extended beyond the Labour Ministry; he served as the eighth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank from 1999 to 2009 and later as Minister of Finance, during which South Africa’s GDP saw a significant rise under his leadership.
Apart from his remarkable political career, Mboweni endeared himself to the public as the “Twitter Chef,” sharing his culinary talents on social media.
Minister Meth reflected on the irreplaceable loss, stating, “In Mr. Mboweni, we lost a brilliant, astute, and selfless activist.” His legacy as a labor rights champion and economic leader remains an enduring part of South Africa’s historical tapestry. The Minister extends deepest condolences to his family, friends, and comrades during this difficult time.
