On urging from delegates and union officials, Mboweni made off-the-cuff remarks, which were warmly received.
In a humorous address, he described the relationship between the SARB, which he leads, and the mineworkers as a “love, hate” one.
He said workers “love me” when the South African currency was weak, and the rand gold price was high, but “hate me” when the situation was reversed.
He suggested that workers ask their employers what happens to mine profits when the gold price was high, adding that the stronger rand was but one factor affecting earnings.
Given Mboweni’s position as Central Bank governor, his appearance at the conference could be considered fairly unorthodox. And following, as it did, on the tumultuous reception given to ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma, on Wednesday, might also raise questions about Mboweni’s political ambitions.
The NUM is seen as an extremely powerful union within the bigger worker federation of Cosatu, whose support would be important for anyone with aspirations to higher office.
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