Limpopo first female Premier Dr Phophy “Maswarathipa ka bogaleng” Ramathuba.
Limpopo first female Premier Dr Phophy “Maswarathipa ka bogaleng” Ramathuba said celebrated political icon and former first black SA Reserve Governor Tito Mboweni was a real revolutionary consummate leader who outstandingly achieved to put his province on the map.
She touched and comforted the hearts of thousands of mourners with her immaculate welcoming speech at Nkowankowa Stadium in Limpopo during the funeral of former Labour Minister Mboweni who passed on at the age of 65.
The service was attended by real Commander in Chief Cyril Ramaphosa, former President Thabo Mbeki, former Deputy President David Mabuza, ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula, ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe, Governor Lesetja Kganyago, former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, former Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale, his friend former Limpopo Premier Adv Ngoako Ramatlhodi, ANC Limpopo Provincial Secretary Reuben Madadzhe, ANCYL Limpopo Chairperson Tonny Rachoene, EFF leader Julius Malema, SAFTU SG Zwelenzima Vavi amongst other dignitaries.
Dr Ramathuba told President Cyril Ramaphosa that it is a rather awkward welcoming people during the times of mourning, yet it gives her comfort of knowing that stands here to welcome him and other grievers to lay to rest an outstanding individual, a citizen of the beautiful province Limpopo who used his life to be a torchbearer of this province.
Ramathuba also said Makgobaskloof was where Mboweni found peace and fulfilment during his retirement, and he shared its beauty with the world. “His passing has resonated deeply, not only within our communities but also across the globe, with tributes from local media and international outlets like Al Jazeera, CNN, and BBC. This widespread attention is a testament to the impact he had on many lives,” she said.
“Since his campaign started, we know that several people had considered Makgobaskloof as a place to spend their holidays; drinking out of the pure spring waters that flow out of its mountains directly into the Ebenezer Dam, or whilst they are dangling in the valleys of its mountain either water canoeing, ziplining or traverse the upper levels of indigenous forests and ancient mountain cliffs.”
Tito Mboweni's son, President Cyril Ramaphosa, Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and former President Thabo Mbeki.
Premier Ramathuba said former Finance Mboweni was beyond a self-appointed tourism ambassador of this place, he was good at it. “Some of us when we introduced the #TourismThursdays where every Mayor, Councillor, MEC is expected to promote a tourist attraction of their area, we had taken it from the leadership that Tito Mboweni unashamedly provided. So, we welcome all of you to the home of Tito Mboweni and the Big 6.”
“Mr President, when Tito called himself the Duke of the Duchy of Makgobaskloof on social media (especially on Twitter, or X, as it is now called) we didn’t contest it, because we knew that he had made it a point that his 1.5 million followers in the country and internationally get to know that there is a beautiful place in South Africa called Makgobaskloof,” she said.
The Limpopo first citizen further said Mboweni who called her “my favourite MEC” was deeply passionate about health, education, and service provision to the community. And he was not afraid to hold her accountable, often reaching out to share his observations on local facilities.
“I remember back when I was still in the health portfolio how he would visit Letaba Hospital and call me to express his concerns about its state. His advocacy pushed us to act and improve conditions for our people. His community new that in him they had a Councillor,Mayor,MEC and Premier.
“A family in Magoebaskloof approached him and complained about services they received and upon investigating the case it happened that the patient visited a private facility not a public one and when I called him to raise that concern about not being from public service his response was that “You are not a public health MEC but rather an MEC for health at the end of the day private hospital get licences from you”
Tito Mboweni taken to his final resting place.
In conclusion, Dr Ramathuba urged people to emulate his humility by loving their neighbours as they loved themselves. “Just recently, before his passing, he visited his old primary school, Bordeaux, and expressed his concern for its condition, even taking time to engage with the learners and share his memories with them. To keep his legacy alive we shall go back to fix that school. Mr President, I have left out a lot more that several speakers would say about Tito but as we finish here let me invite you all to lunch of pap and the delicious tinned fish that had become synonymous with his later night cooking on Twitter. Let us indulge in remembrance of this great and transformative spirit of Tito Titus Mboweni,” Premier said.
Commander in Chief President Cyril Ramaphosa attending his comrade Tito Mboweni funeral.
President Ramaphosa said Mboweni taught his comrades that public service is noble. “To me he was a shining star. During the dark period of state capture. He was a true patriot who selflessly love the people of his country. It was evident when I knocked on his doorstep to ask him to return to public office as the Minister of Finance. He used the Aloe plant to demonstrate to us that no matter how tough it is, you’ll get through. When you hold public service, perception matters. He was an activist in the struggle against apartheid. As the first Minister Labour appointed by Tata Nelson Mandela, he transformed the labour relation in our country with laws that put the apartheid tendencies in the dust bin.”
“His resilience stabilised our financial discipline, he championed economic transformation both as a SA Reserve Governor and Minister. He was loved by his more than 1.5 million followers on his X-page. His cooking tin fish skills and as well as how to cook chicken will never be forgotten. My brother and fisherman…You acquitted yourself with dignity with honour in the ANC and government. You never disgrace or betray your movement and your country.”
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