Tito Mboweni’s tombstone has become a topic of conversation across South Africa, with many people admiring its simplicity while also questioning how it was erected so quickly after his burial.
The former Minister of Finance was laid to rest this past weekend, but the presence of his tombstone so soon has raised eyebrows, especially since it usually takes much longer to place a tombstone.
Images of the Tombstone Spark Debate
Photos of Tito Mboweni’s tombstone surfaced on social media, where users on the X platform (formerly known as Twitter) shared their thoughts.
The Broodie Funeral Parlour, the company responsible for handling Mboweni’s funeral, was also behind the service for the late rapper AKA, Kiernan Forbes.
Coincidentally, both figures had tombstones installed just hours after their burials, sparking questions online.
Many pointed out that typically, tombstones are only put up after several months, once the ground has fully settled.
Authorities and experts believe that the tombstone may have been temporarily set up for display purposes and will likely be removed until the appropriate time, as was done for AKA’s burial.
The Standard Practice for Tombstones
Funeral experts recommend waiting between six to twelve months before erecting a tombstone to allow the burial site to settle properly.
This delay is essential for the ground to become stable enough to support the weight of the stone.
In Tito Mboweni’s case, it is expected that the tombstone will be removed and installed again after this period.
Resting Amongst Loved Ones
Tito Mboweni was buried in the Bodweni Cemetery in Limpopo, alongside his parents, Nelson and Peggy Mboweni, in the family plot.
The 65-year-old, who had been living with Type 2 diabetes, chose to return to his roots, being laid to rest near his birthplace in Tzaneen.
In a tweet from years ago, Tito Mboweni humorously mentioned what he wanted written on his tombstone.
He envisioned a mix of heartfelt and humorous inscriptions, with his family paying tribute to him as a good man, while his political comrades would remember his dedication to the ANC.
He even joked about having the phrase, “Bloody stubborn b*stard” on the sides, a nod to his outspoken and often contrarian nature.
He tweeted: “My family will write…: Here is our brother, father and cousin. He was a good man. And on the back, the ANC writes : He was a good Comrade. Faithful and just to the cause. On the sides: Bloody stubborn b*stard. Always having contrarian views!”.
What Happens Next?
As the dust settles, so to speak, many will be watching to see if Mboweni’s tombstone is indeed removed for now and then reinstalled when the time is right.
For now, the conversation around his burial site is a reminder of how public figures are commemorated and the traditions that accompany these final farewells.
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