More tributes for Mboweni

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has sent its condolences to the family of former Reserve Bank Governor and Finance Minister, Tito Mboweni.

Mboweni died in a Johannesburg hospital yesterday after a short illness.

The EFF says in a statement that while it often found itself at odds with him on policy matters, he was always open to robust, frank and intellectual exchanges.

The party says Mboweni surprised many when he proposed more radical and unconventional policy ideas, such as the creation of a state-owned bank, a sovereign wealth fund and the nationalisation of the Reserve bank.

It says Mboweni will also be remembered for his culinary exploits, which he often shared on social media during his retirement.

ActionSA says Mboweni lived a full life of an activist for good.

In a statement, the party says he actively took part in events leading to the end of apartheid, the ushering of the democratic era and pushed back even against the excesses of his own comrades in favour of reason despite the relatively young age of his passing.

It expressed its condolences to Mboweni’s immediate family and other loved ones, as well to his friends in the African National Congress (ANC) and elsewhere who have always him in high esteem.

The ANC says Mboweni lived his life in sacrifice, dedication and selfless service to the people of South Africa.

In a statement the party has traced Mboweni’s political journey from 1980 when he abandoned his studies at the University of the North (Turfloop).

He was as a leader of the Azanian Students Organisation (AZASO) when he went into exile in Lesotho.

It was there that he joined the ANC in 1985.

At the end of apartheid, Mboweni contributed to the economic debates that framed the transition to democracy, with then President Nelson Mandela appointing him Labour Minister in the first cabinet.