Former Minister Nomvula Mokonyane Faces Outrage for Serving as Female Pallbearer at Tito Mboweni’s Funeral
Former minister Nomvula Mokonyane has sparked controversy for being a pallbearer at Tito Mboweni’s state funeral. The video showing her carrying Tito Mboweni’s coffin has caused a stir on social media as many labelled it disrespectful.
Also Read: Tito Mboweni’s Last Wish Revealed in Resurfaced 2018 Tweet After His Death
Tito Mboweni Laid to Rest
Tito Mboweni, the former Minister of Finance and South Africa’s first black Reserve Bank Governor, was buried in a state funeral on Saturday, 19 October, in Tzaneen, Limpopo. Mboweni’s coffin was carried to its final resting place by several high-ranking officials, including Mokonyane.
A video clip posted by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula on X (formerly Twitter) showed the moment Mboweni’s coffin was taken into the Bodweni Cemetery. Captioning the post he wrote;
“You served our movement with excellence and dedication.
Farewell Comrade Tito Mboweni.
🖤💚💛
#RIPTitoMboweni“
In the footage, Nomvula Mokonyane, the only female among the pallbearers, drew significant attention online.
Controversy Over Nomvula Mokonyane’s Role as Female Pallbearer at Tito Mboweni’s Burial
Mokonyane’s participation as a pallbearer was met with widespread criticism on social media. Many users expressed their shock, claiming that a woman carrying a coffin, especially that of a distinguished male figure, was disrespectful to both the deceased and cultural traditions. Some netizens argued that pallbearing is a role reserved exclusively for men.
One common sentiment shared by critics was that Nomvula Mokonyane’s involvement undermined cultural practices. Several comments pointed out that it was inappropriate for her to take part in such a duty, with many labeling it as a breach of traditional customs.
Here are some of the reactions;
@TshepoTC11;
This is truly disrespecting ntate Mboweni and his family. This is not allowed.🚫 A woman carrying a man’s coffin.
@ZobbyD;
I’m 100% sure that in no where in the African Culture do women attend funerals under dressed like her yet carry the deceased bed with men. Let’s respect ourselves & our cultures. Ntate maFryisha Mboweni Rest!
@JoelMMalope;
No woman is allowed to carry a coffin, Mbalula and Nomvula have really disrespected us here as Africans
@dlomomkhonto;
Ths ANC OF RAMAPHOSA has lost respect for other peoples culture.what kind of a dress is Nomvula wearing?maybe she is going to KONKA?
@motlokwath25552;
In African culture, women are not allowed to carry a coffin during a funeral…Asephelile yini amadoda, naphathisa umuntu wesifazane ibhokisi? 🤦🏼♂️