Netizens in South Africa are calling on canned fish brand “Lucky Star” to release a limited-edition tin featuring the face of the late former finance minister, Tito Mboweni, who died on Saturday night.
Mboweni was known for his love of cooking and was often called the “Minister of cooking”. He frequently shared recipes online, often using “Lucky Star” pilchards in his dishes.
One of his signature dishes was a pilchard stew made with onions, tomatoes, green peppers, and, of course, garlic.
In a 2019 post, he shared a picture of his Lucky Star stew, captioning it, “Lucky Star stew! (I have no relationship with them but enjoy the fish).”
This playful post captured the attention of many, with one user @_officialMoss, commenting that “He put water in there, I'm not a cook but I don't think you should put water in there,” with a laughing sticker.
He put water in there, I’m not a cook but I don’t think you should put water in there, 🤦🏽♂️🤔 pic.twitter.com/dzojF3jK2E
— MOSS™🇿🇦🏳️🌈 (@_officialMoss) June 7, 2019
Mboweni passed away at the age of 65 in a Johannesburg hospital after a brief illness, surrounded by his loved ones.
In a statement, his family expressed their devastation, noting the lasting legacy of his leadership in both the Reserve Bank and as Minister of Finance.
Following the news of his death, “Lucky Star” expressed their condolences on social media.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tito Mboweni. His unwavering dedication to South Africa's growth and leadership has left a lasting legacy.
“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace,” they stated.
We lost a true South African Icon💔🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/SXuKPC8AW7
— Lucky Star (@LuckyStarSA) October 13, 2024
Amidst the condolences, a growing number of X users have taken to the platform to suggest that “Lucky Star” should honour Mboweni by placing his image on their tins.
One user, @StHonorable, wrote, “Can you honour him by putting his photo on your products? He single handedly marketed your brand without getting any remuneration.”
Can you honour him by putting his photo on your products? 🙏 He singlehandedly marketed your brand without getting any remuneration. pic.twitter.com/I6plNL6GjE
— Not a Peace Officer (@StHonorable) October 13, 2024
The statement attracted further calls for the brand to memorialise Mboweni’s impact.
User @DDT_PM remarked, “I started eating canned fish because it was highly advertised on Twitter by Tatana Tito Mboweni.
“He was not only our Twitter Chef but your indirect brand ambassador as well. He deserves an honour from @LuckyStarSA.”
I started eating canned fish because it was highly advertised on Twitter by Tatana Tito Mboweni. He was not only our Twitter Chef but your indirect brand ambassador as well.
— P_MAX (@DDT_PM) October 13, 2024
He deserves an honour from @LuckyStarSA.
@KingNema_Jnr, wrote, “Let’s honour this chef in a special way. The next tins should have his face.”
Let's honor this chef in a special way. The next tins should have his face
— Nema Jnr 🦂👑 (@KingNema_Jnr) October 13, 2024
Whether Lucky Star will respond to the calls to honour Mboweni with a special edition tin remains to be seen.
For now, fans continue to share memories of the man who not only shaped financial policy but also became a well-loved online chef.
IOL