Despite his famous cooking style, the late former Reserve Bank governor and Finance Minister Tito Mboweni also maintained financial order both in the ANC and in government.
When he was finance minister, Mboweni cut ministers' budgets, slashed credit cards, and also downgraded their cars to a lower cost.
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula was addressing journalists outside Mboweni’s residence in Johannesburg on Tuesday and led the ANC delegation to extend condolences to the Mboweni family.
Mboweni died at the age of 65, following a short illness. His family confirmed his death in a statement released on Saturday night. He will be laid to rest this weekend in Limpopo.
Reflecting on his life, Mbalula described Mboweni as an intellectual who would easily unpack what seemed like hard situations to them.
He further described him as a loyal servant of the ANC who was not afraid of engaging strategic opponents because he believed in the theory of the revolution that it was superior.
“He could interact with anyone with any topic with no difficulties. That is what he was to everyone.
“He was not afraid of opponents, strategic opponents. He would not confuse a strategic opponent with an enemy, he understood this.
“That is why he reach out to the EFF. When the EFF dropped in this election, he said they must not be erased from the political map and will bounce back.
“He was a versatile political animal but at the same time, in a true ANC style,” Mbalula said.
Mbalula said Mboweni will be remembered as an architect who laid the foundation for the macroeconomic stability of this country.
“I remember him vividly when he was asked the question when he became a governor, he said the economic fundamentals are intact, the economy is in safe hands, so let’s move on,” he said.
Despite handing over to the younger generation, Mboweni was not missing in action, Mbalula said.
He said they discussed too many matters including the Government of National Unity (GNU).
“We have lost really, we are poorer without him as the movement and people of South Africa,” he said.
As tributes continue to pour for Mboweni, among other things, he will remembered for his humour, rebuking the media, and expressing his love for nature and his rural roots of Magoebaskloof.
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