Disrespectful? Outrage over Tito Mboweni female pallbearer

Former minister Nomvula Molonyane has courted controversy for being the only female to be a pallbearer at Tito Mboweni’s funeral.

A clip of a female pallbearer helping to carry Tito Mboweni’s coffin to his final resting place has courted controversy on social media.

The woman – identified as Nomvula Mokonyane – was one of several high officials tasked with the sombre duty.

The former Minister of Finance and first black Reserve Bank Governor was buried in a state funeral on Saturday, 19 October, in Tzaneen, Limpopo.

TITO MBOWENI FEMALE PALLBEARER COURTS CONTROVERSY

A clip of a female pallbearer helping to carry Tito Mboweni’s coffin to his final resting place has courted controversy on social media.

The woman – identified as Nomvula Mokonyane – was one of several high officials tasked with the sombre duty.

The former Minister of Finance and first black Reserve Bank Governor was buried in a state funeral on Saturday, 19 October, in Tzaneen, Limpopo.

TITO MBOWENI FEMALE PALLBEARER COURTS CONTROVERSY

However, the clip courted controversy amongst Fikile’s X followers, who were surprised to see a female pallbearer. According to a few users, females are prohibited from being pallbearers to distinguished males.

@clipamokau: “Times have changed. Never seen a woman carrying a coffin”.

@lorrenzom: “Since when women are allowed to carry a coffin?”

@TshepoTC11: “This is truly disrespecting Tito Mboweni and his family. This is not allowed”.

NOMVULA MOLOYANE CLAPS BACK?

Sensing the criticism of social media, Nomvula Moloyane – who has previously been the minister of several departments, including Environmental Affairs, Communication, and Water and Sanitation – clapped on her X account.

Tweeting a picture of former struggle stalwart Winnie Mandela carrying a coffin on her shoulder, Nomvula tweeted: “In Struggle, men and women are equal”.