Here’s why Tito Mboweni’s tombstone has sparked discussion on social media, with many South Africans commenting on its simplicity and some questioning how and why it was erected so soon after his burial.
Mboweni, the former Minister of Finance and first black Reserve Bank Governor was laid to rest at the Bodweni Cemetery in Limpopo over the weekend.
While the tombstone was admired for its modest design, its immediate placement at the gravesite led to confusion and curiosity among onlookers.
Tito Mboweni’s tombstone
Photos of Tito Mboweni’s tombstone circulated on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where users shared their thoughts. The tombstone, adorned with Mboweni’s name, drew praise for its understated elegance, reflecting the reserved nature of the man who had played such an influential role in South Africa’s financial landscape. However, the timing of its installation became a point of contention.
Traditionally, tombstones are erected after a waiting period, typically between six to twelve months after burial. This delay allows the ground to settle, which helps prevent the tombstone from tilting or sinking.
Yet, just hours after Mboweni’s burial, a tombstone was already standing at his gravesite, leading many to wonder if this was a permanent fixture or merely temporary.
The funeral of Mboweni, much like that of rapper Kiernan Forbes, known as AKA, was arranged by Broodie Funeral Parlour. The same funeral service provider also facilitated AKA’s burial last year, which similarly featured a tombstone shortly after the ceremony.
In both cases, it seems the tombstones were placed temporarily for display purposes during the funeral, and they are expected to be removed soon after for the necessary settling of the ground. Authorities clarified that this is a common practice by funeral parlors to showcase the memorial, but it will likely be removed and installed again at a later date, following the standard waiting period.
Experts in the field recommend that tombstones be placed six to twelve months after burial to ensure the grave settles properly. This helps to avoid any damage to the tombstone due to shifting ground. Funeral homes, like Broodie, often erect the tombstone briefly as part of the ceremony, only to remove it shortly afterward to follow these guidelines.
Despite the confusion surrounding the timing of the tombstone’s placement, Mboweni’s funeral was a solemn occasion attended by family, friends, and dignitaries. The 65-year-old had been battling Type 2 diabetes and chose to be buried near his birthplace, in a family plot at the Bodweni Cemetery, Tzaneen.
There, Mboweni’s final resting place lies alongside his parents, Nelson and Peggy Mboweni, who were buried in the same cemetery.
Mboweni’s burial was deeply personal, as he was laid to rest among his loved ones in the rural Limpopo province, far from the urban financial centers where he had built his illustrious career. His choice of a simple tombstone and burial alongside his family speaks to the humility that many close to him say defined his life.
In an old tweet, Mboweni once shared a lighthearted view of how he wanted to be remembered on his tombstone. He joked: “My family will write…: Here is our brother, father, and cousin. He was a good man. And on the back, the ANC writes: He was a good Comrade. Faithful and just to the cause. On the sides: Bloody stubborn b*stard. Always having contrarian views!”
This humorous message captures the essence of Mboweni’s character—serious and committed, yet not without a sense of humor.
In the wake of his death, many South Africans took to social media to celebrate his legacy, sharing memories of his time as Minister of Finance and as Reserve Bank Governor. Mboweni, known for his frankness and sometimes controversial opinions, leaves behind a significant legacy in South African politics and economics.
Ultimately, the discussion about Mboweni’s tombstone highlights the unique cultural practices surrounding death and remembrance in South Africa.
While the simplicity of his tombstone was admired, the temporary placement raised questions, ultimately serving as a reminder of the traditions and customs that surround burial and memorialization. As his family and community continue to mourn, Mboweni’s legacy will endure both in his contributions to the country and in the way he wished to be remembered.