Despite breaking up in 2019, the influencer and reality TV star claims she kept in contact with the former Minister of Finance.
Lerato also claimed that Tito fathered a child with her – a young boy – whom she has opted to keep out of the spotlight.
TITO MBOWENI’S ALLEGED EX, BABY MAMA, SHARES GRIEF
In a Facebook post earlier this year, Lerato Makgatho shared a tribute to the late Tito Mboweni.
She posted: “Thank you for always being there for me.
Hinting at their alleged child together, she added: “I don’t know how to break the news to the little one.
“A great father to all your kids, who loved cooking and creating good memories, and never held any grudges.
“I will forever be grateful for the love and the teaching you gave me.”
Go botlhoko 😭😭😭💔🇿🇦 thanks for always being there for me and I don’t know how to break the news to the little one. You…
Posted by Habiba Makgatho SA on Monday 14 October 2024
Speaking to The South African, Lerato claimed she last talked to Tito Mboweni “a few days ago because we normally communicate at least twice a week.”
Lerato added that she had been in a relationship with the former Reserve Bank Governor from 2016 to 2019
She said: “He was a great man who truly loved me. I am the one who messed up. His sudden death really hurt me”.
tito mboweni, lerato makgatho
Tito Mboweni’s rumoured ex-girlfriend Lerato Makgatho has offered her condolences following his shock death. Images via X: @tito_mboweni/ Facebook: Lerato Makgatho SA
Lerato – who will be attending the state funeral this weekend -claimed both she and Tito mutually decided to keep their son out of the spotlight.
She added, “The boy will be well taken care of. Whatever happens after the funeral, we will cross that bridge when we get there.”
The South African has reached out to the Mboweni family for comment. This article will be updated when it is received.
STATE FUNERAL TO GO AHEAD
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared that Tito Mboweni had been granted a state funeral. It will take place at the Nkowankowa Stadium in Tzaneen, Limpopo, on Saturday, 19 October.
“President Ramaphosa has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations from tomorrow morning, Wednesday, 16 October 2024, until the evening of the funeral on 19 October 2024,” spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said.