tito mboweni mid-term budget speech

12 March 2007. South Africa. Johannesburg. The governer of the South African Reserve Bank, Tito Mboweni.

Tito “I’m not available for Finance Minister” Mboweni changed his mind quickly

Back in February 2018, Tito Mboweni insisted that he’s not available for a role in cabinet, because young people are needed to lead. Things change quickly in politics, though.

tito mboweni mid-term budget speech

12 March 2007. South Africa. Johannesburg. The governer of the South African Reserve Bank, Tito Mboweni.

A day is a long time in politics. So is a weekend. Just as Des van Rooyen. And if a day is long, then just over six months might as well be light years. Just ask newly appointed Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni.

Tito Mboweni: five things to know about South Africa’s new Finance Minister

Five things you should know about Tito Mboweni, South Africa’s new finance minister

Look, we know people are allowed to change their minds. And the change of minister was pretty unexpected.

Nhlanhla Nene’s failure to appropriately disclose his dubious meetings with the Gupta family in a timely fashion led to the public outcry. And while there was some resistance, Cyril Ramaphosa acted swiftly. Or rather, Nene did. He resigned and CR accepted.

That left very little time to find a replacement. And in times of economic uncertainty, with the rand plummeting and credit ratings due, the country needed a familiar face in such an esteemed position.

So, we’re not here for judgies. But the internet keeps receipts.

Back in February 2018, when things were all kicking off, Mboweni was pretty clear on his stance. He Tweeted:

Against the wisdom of my Team, please don’t tell them this. It’s between us, I am not available for Minister of Finance.You cannot recycle the same people all over again. It is time for young people. We are available for advisory roles. Not cabinet. We have done that.

[link to the Tweet here, but we’ve also included a screengrab in case it gets deleted]

But hey, a man who became the chorus subject of a club hit can do what he likes, right?