The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) has paid tribute to Tito Mboweni who served as Chairman of the TBCSA board for two years from 2016.

The TBCSA said Mboweni played a key role in amplifying the voice of the private-sector tourism industry, including highlighting its significant contributions to the country’s economy.

Mboweni (aged 65) passed away after a short illness on Saturday, October 12 at a hospital in Johannesburg, surrounded by his loved ones. His family has requested privacy during this time as they come to terms with this loss. Details will be released over the next few days, according to a statement issued by Mboweni’s brother, Alto Mboweni, on behalf of the Mboweni family.

Current TBCSA Chairman Jerry Mabena said: “Mboweni’s extensive experience from his roles in public service, academia and the private sector, gave us invaluable insights in not only guiding our industry but also fostering collaboration across all spheres of the economy for the benefit of the nation.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa, expressing sadness at Mboweni’s passing, highlighted his service as Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, Minister of Labour and Finance Minister.

Mboweni was the democratic South Africa’s first Minister of Labour from 1994 to 1999 in the Cabinet of Founding President Nelson Mandela. He then served as Governor of the South African Reserve Bank for a decade from 1999. From 2018 to 2021, he was Minister of Finance in the administration led by President Ramaphosa.

“Given his sense of vitality and energetic and affable engagement with fellow South Africans, Dr Mboweni’s passing at 65 comes as a shock,” said Ramaphosa. “We have lost a leader and compatriot who has served our nation as an activist, economic policy innovator and champion of labour rights.

“As Governor and Finance Minister, he had a sharp focus on fiscal discipline and economic transformation. Tito Mboweni distinguished himself in different strategic roles in the private sector and was a flag bearer in global forums for our economy and developing economies more broadly.

“He conducted himself with expert rigour while maintaining the personable touch that made him a social media star and ambassador for Modjadjiskloof’s culinary traditions. His passing is a great loss. May his soul rest in peace.”

Many South Africans will remember Mboweni’s social media presence on X where he often shared details of his culinary creations.

Lucky Star, a tinned-fish brand, also paid tribute to Mboweni who often cooked their products during his popular cooking adventures. In a tweet, the company expressed sadness at his passing, noting his unwavering dedication to South Africa’s growth and leadership.