With more tributes pouring in following the unexpected passing of former finance minister and governor of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Tito Mboweni this past weekend, South African social media users have called on Lucky Star to release a limited edition to honour him.
Mboweni died on Saturday evening after a short illness, his family announced.
Ever since Mboweni showcased his culinary skills on social media in 2019, many of his dishes left users astounded and tongue-tied.
Mboweni gained online popularity for his Lucky Star brand “ambassadorship” as a string of his meals would feature the tinned fish.
In an X post, Lucky Star paid tribute to Mboweni, labelling him an icon for his impeccable political career in the National Treasury.
“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,” wrote Lucky Star.
The post had users united as they urged Lucky Star to place Mboweni’s face on the limited tinned fish batch, believing he revived the brand’s marketing despite not receiving any compensation.
“Please honour him for a month with your products. Write about his contributions from the first democratic administration until retirement. He did a lot and in the end, he became your brand ambassador,” said @NicolSolani.
https://x.com/NicSolani/status/1845440074562908618?t=MPx5VhHr1GpF30n67Aq1Mw&s=19
“Governor Tito Mboweni single-handedly resurrected the Lucky Star brand. Even now, your sales are shooting up as we speak. Hopefully, you guys will donate money to his causes in Tzaneen,” said @Sontondlovu.
https://x.com/sontondlovu/status/1845543457080668201?t=MPx5VhHr1GpF30n67Aq1Mw&s=19
“Can you honour him by putting his photo on your products? He single-handedly marketed your brand without getting remuneration,” said @StHonorable.
https://x.com/StHonorable/status/1845427778612601331?t=MPx5VhHr1GpF30n67Aq1Mw&s=19
“I started eating canned fish because it was highly marketed on Twitter by Tata Tito Mboweni. He was not only our Twitter chef, but your indirect brand ambassador as well,” said @DDT_PM.
https://x.com/DDT_PM/status/1845478728412868608?t=MPx5VhHr1GpF30n67Aq1Mw&s=19
“I hope your production capacity will be able to cater for the high demand of tin fish this week. On behalf of South Africans, we will be mourning our beloved Tata by eating tin fish,” said @Tman2021315.
https://x.com/Tman201315/status/1845425997815947763?t=MPx5VhHr1GpF30n67Aq1Mw&s=19
However, a netizen accused Lucky Star of capitalising on Mboweni’s death as a marketing strategy.
“That is very cheeky Lucky Star, you have never ever acknowledged him when he shared recipes with your product. Now you are using him to market your brand under the guise of a condolence message,” said @Lindaferns.
https://x.com/Lindaferns/status/1845655422868259139?t=MPx5VhHr1GpF30n67Aq1Mw&s=19
The Star