In the Shadow of Loss: Tito Mboweni’s Funeral Highlights Limpopo’s Deep Service Delivery Crisis

As South Africans prepare to bid a final farewell to former finance minister Tito Mboweni, his hometown of Tzaneen in Limpopo Province is witnessing a surge of activity—though much of it is not about mourning. In a flurry of last-minute preparations ahead of Mboweni’s funeral, the streets are being patched, potholes hastily filled, and fresh coats of paint are lining major roads from Polokwane to Tzaneen. Yet, for many residents, these efforts appear more focused on political optics than genuine reverence for the beloved statesman.

Mboweni, who passed away last Saturday at the age of 65 following a brief illness, will be laid to rest in a Special Official Funeral (Category 2) at Nkowankowa Stadium in his hometown. President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to deliver the eulogy, paying tribute to a man whose influence stretched across South African economic policy for decades. However, the government’s scramble to address long-standing infrastructure issues in the days leading up to the funeral has left many locals with mixed emotions.

For years, Tzaneen has faced the same struggles as many rural areas in Limpopo: failing infrastructure, rampant unemployment, and a lack of basic services. In stark contrast to the day-to-day neglect, municipal workers have been out in full force since Mboweni’s death was announced, sprucing up the roads and giving the town a rare facelift. For some, this sudden flurry of activity feels less like respect for the late minister and more like a show for visiting dignitaries.

A ‘Ticking Bomb’ of Frustration

Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba, speaking outside Mboweni’s home, acknowledged the frustration of residents, many of whom have voiced their concerns about the timing of these improvements. “The complaints about unemployment, especially among the youth, and the lack of basic services are real. It’s difficult to tell young people to go to school when their older siblings have graduated and are sitting at home without jobs,” she told EWN. Ramathuba went on to warn that the lack of opportunities and services in the region is “a ticking bomb” that could have severe social and political consequences.

Limpopo, a province known for its rich natural beauty and agricultural potential, has long been plagued by a lack of adequate service delivery. Despite repeated promises from the provincial and local governments, issues like water shortages, poor sanitation, unreliable electricity, and crumbling roads have persisted. While the premier assured residents that the government is committed to tackling these issues, many remain skeptical, viewing the recent surge in infrastructure improvements as little more than a political performance.

A Community’s Mixed Feelings

Outside the funeral preparations, many locals are openly expressing their discontent. Salome Maunadlala, a Tzaneen resident, shared her disbelief at the sudden appearance of road crews. “Our deepest condolences to the Mboweni family, but look at what’s happening now. The streets are suddenly clean, the potholes are gone. Where was this when we needed it before?”

Her sentiments are echoed by others. Khathu Maimela, another resident, criticized the timing of the repairs, noting that they prove the government has the capacity to deliver, just not the will. “You can already see the municipal works in action, but do we need a high-profile funeral to get basic services? It’s not right,” he said.

The palpable frustration from the community has drawn attention to the larger issue of governance and accountability in Limpopo. As family, neighbors, and dignitaries gather for Mboweni’s final send-off, questions linger about what it will take for the province’s long-neglected communities to receive the services they deserve.

A Legacy Beyond Economics

As Tito Mboweni is laid to rest, many will remember him for his contributions to South Africa’s economic policy and his steady hand during turbulent financial times. A former governor of the South African Reserve Bank, he was a figure of stability and insight. Yet, in his death, his hometown has become a focal point for the very issues he fought to address on a national level—inequality, poverty, and the urgent need for effective governance.

While Mboweni’s legacy will likely be shaped by his role in shaping South Africa’s economy, the events surrounding his funeral have reminded the nation of the deep-rooted challenges that persist in places like Tzaneen. For locals, the freshly painted roads and filled potholes are a temporary fix to problems that require long-term solutions—solutions that must come from the same political leaders who will deliver speeches at Mboweni’s funeral.

In a moment of national mourning, the people of Limpopo are calling for more than just words. They want action, and they want change. Whether the attention garnered by Mboweni’s passing will bring about lasting improvements remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the people of Tzaneen will not forget how quickly things can change when the right eyes are watching.