The late finance ministers Tito Mboweni and Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan at the Business Unity of South Africa (BUSA) Strategic Dialogue for a Transformed and Inclusive Economy. Picture: Simphiwe Mbokazi/IndependentNewspapers
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has paid tribute to two former finance ministers Tito Mboweni and Pravin Gordhan, describing them as fearless and patriotic leaders who championed ethical governance and sound public financial management.
Gordhan died on September 13, 2024 while Mboweni also died a month later on October 12.
Godongwana also remembered Membathisi Mdladlana, the Minister of Labour who passed away on October 18.
“In quick succession, our country lost three former ministers, who in their own unique ways made enormous contributions to our democracy,” Godongwana said.
“Pravin Gordhan, Tito Mboweni and Membathisi Mdladlana were deeply committed public servants, fearless leaders, and true patriots.”
According to the Finance Minister, the wisdom of the two former finance ministers, was a constant source of inspiration as he prepared his speech and grappled with the challenges that face SA in reaching its social as well as economic development goals.
Godongwana said: “Pravin Gordhan will be remembered as one of South Africa’s great architects in developing a capable state, a world-class revenue authority, and unwavering in his conviction to ethical governance and sound public financial management.”
“Tito Mboweni will be remembered for contributing to progressive labour market regulations, modernising South Africa’s monetary policy, and the passion and intellectual bravery he brought to issues of structural reforms.”
According to Godongwana, in one of his last interviews, Mboweni said that the next few years will be defined as “the infrastructure years”, where the national obsession should be on building infrastructure.
“He would be proud that today, a cornerstone of our policy statement is the announcement of bold and far-reaching infrastructure reforms,” Godongwana said.
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