Former Reserve Bank governor and new finance minister Tito Mboweni is hailed as a seasoned economist with impeccable credentials. Judging from the market reaction, he is a “life saver” following the embarrassing exit of Nhlanhla Nene. South Africans had counted on Nene for the restoration of integrity in a portfolio nearly invaded by Gupta lieutenants. He should be credited, though, for refusing to sign off the nuclear deal. Pravin Gordhan fared relatively well as finance minister, particularly considering that the axe-wielding Jacob Zuma was constantly peeping over his shoulder. Malusi Gigaba was a non-starter as his Gupta links were evident. Des van Rooyen was a complete disaster, creeping in and out over one fateful weekend. This leaves us with Trevor Manuel, the longest-serving finance minister from 1996 to 2009. A Cape Peninsula Technikon graduate with no commercial background, Manuel led the Treasury with distinction and presided over the best economic times experienced in pos...
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