Mboweni passed away on Saturday, October 13, 2024, at the age of 65, after a short illness, according to a statement from President Cyril Ramaphosa's government.
In his message of condolences on Sunday, Kagame praised Mboweni's contributions to reforming the African Union (AU), stating that his legacy will transcend generations.
'Tito Mboweni was a giant voice for Africa and a champion of continental integration. His counsel was invaluable in the effort to reform the African Union, and in recent years, he dedicated his energy to implementing those reforms as chair of the AU Peace Fund. His legacy will live on for generations to come,' Kagame said in his message to Mboweni's family, friends, and the people of South Africa.
Mboweni served as South Africa's Minister of Finance under Ramaphosa from 2018 to 2021. He was an anti-apartheid activist in his youth and served as Minister of Labour from 1994 to 1999 under President Nelson Mandela.
Mboweni also made history as the first Black Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, serving from 1999 to 2009.
A frequent visitor to Kigali and an early member of the team tasked with reforming the African Union, Mboweni was a close ally of Rwanda. His work on the AU Reforms Steering Committee, led by President Kagame, focused on addressing the urgent need for institutional reforms to better position the AU for achieving its Agenda 2063 vision of inclusive economic growth and development across Africa.
Mboweni's role extended to serving on the Board of Trustees for the African Union Peace Fund, which was key to financing peace support operations, mediation, and preventive diplomacy efforts. His involvement was instrumental in ensuring strategic governance of the Peace Fund, enhancing the AU's capacity to manage conflicts and promote peace on the continent.
Ramaphosa earlier expressed shock over Mboweni's passing, noting that he distinguished himself in strategic roles and was a flag bearer for South Africa's economy on the global stage.
'We have lost a leader and compatriot who has served our nation as an activist, economic policy innovator, and champion of labor rights,' Ramaphosa said, emphasizing Mboweni's significant role in shaping South Africa's future, particularly during the final days of apartheid.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
