‘You’re a millionaire!’: Tito Mboweni accused of ‘pretending to be poor’
Frugal or frumpy? Former minister Tito Mboweni has been criticised for ‘letting himself go’ with his recent appearance…
Tito Mboweni’s name was once used as slang for being “monied,” thanks to a 2017 song by flashy rapper Cassper Nyovest.
However, the former Minister of Finance has recently been criticised for his “scruffy” appearance since retiring from cabinet. A recent image tweeted by the ex-Reserve Bank governor had many X users even trolling him for looking like a “hobo.”
TITO MBOWENI’S FASHION FAUX PAS MAKES HEADLINES
On X, Tito Mboweni found himself trending once again, but not over his cooking concoctions.
This time, the former politician’s fashion sense – or perhaps lack of it – had his followers amused.
The 65-year-old posted pics of him having a catch-up with an old friend at the Polokwane airport after their flight had been delayed for several hours.
In the pics, Tito sported his infamous worn-out brown shoes, an oversized blazer, unkempt facial hair, and a cap with a government logo, which was likely a freebie.
Look who I stuck with at Polokwane airport? Professor Hlengani Mathebula. Fight delayed by over 3 hours!’ pic.twitter.com/X71tQgGSdK
— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) April 29, 2024
Here’s a few brutal comments from his followers…
@MkwanaziTL: “Mara, why do you look like a nyaope boy?”
@TheGeopol: “Tito Titus Mboweni is this a cry for help? Should we be concerned as a nation? Are you okay?”
@Unahinanaye: “Style is not about buying designer clothes; it is about cute, simple clothes with the perfect texture that makes you look and feel good. The governor needs some help with his wardrobe choices.”
@KhumaloFk: “The younger Tito had a great sense of fashion, and I wonder what changed.”
@XUFFLER: “Tito, you are a millionaire, bro! Start dressing like one! Come on!“
Tito – likely used to criticism on the social media app – has yet to respond to the backlash.
These shoes are Clarks Ok. They are comfortable for old people! Laugh at them for the last time! pic.twitter.com/s1PEONwVaT
— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) August 18, 2020
The former politician also once bragged over a leather jacket he once bought in the 90s.
He tweeted of the worn-out piece: “I bought this brown leather jacket in 1994. Still in good condition and warm. Just like them Clarks shoes. Don’t change what works for you.”
The former politician also once bragged over a leather jacket he once bought in the 90s.
He tweeted of the worn-out piece: “I bought this brown leather jacket in 1994. Still in good condition and warm. Just like them Clarks shoes. Don’t change what works for you.”
I bought this brown leather jacket in 1994. Still in good condition and warm. Just like them Clarks shoes. Don’t change what works for you. ( loyalty too!) pic.twitter.com/AMPqR1pQSq
— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) February 6, 2022
HOW RICH IS THE FORMER MINISTER?
While Tito Mboweni may appear “broke,” many have argued that he is merely “stashing his cash.”
According to Timeslive, a ministerial handbook revealed that government ministers like Tito, who served as both labour minister and finance minister, could easily earn R2.5 million a year and a hefty pension fund.
Tito served as the Reserve Bank Governor from 1999 to 2009, where he earned up to R5 million per annum, claims IOL. After he left, he was given a R2,6 million “cooling off” payout.
Tito resigned as a public servant in 2021 and a year later joined the private sector as chairman of the property fund company Accelerate, reported Business Live.
These days, Tito spends much of his days dining out with friends at a local restaurant in Magoebaskloof, Limpopo, or cooking in.