The canned food company expressed its commitment to honoring the memory of the late Tito Mboweni, former finance minister and governor of the South African Reserve Bank, who passed away on Saturday evening following a brief illness.
Mboweni was not only known for his political and economic leadership but also for his culinary talents, particularly his celebrated dish featuring Lucky Star pilchards. His passion for the brand was evident through the creative recipes he shared on social media, which resonated with many and sparked joy across the nation. Following his passing, fans took to various platforms to pay tribute by preparing his signature dishes, including the beloved Lucky Star pilchards. Many called for a limited-edition release of the product, featuring Mboweni's image on the packaging, along with a garlic-flavored variant. This outpouring of support underscores the deep connection many felt with him and his culinary creativity.
In their statement, Lucky Star emphasized that they will honor Mboweni's legacy in a way that genuinely reflects his contributions, but only at the appropriate time and with the family's consent. “At the right time, and with his family's permission, we will celebrate his memory in a way that acknowledges his unique impact. More details will be shared soon,” the brand announced.
Many South Africans will fondly remember Mboweni for his imaginative and sometimes unconventional cooking style, which not only delighted but also sparked conversations across the country. “Tito's authenticity and enthusiasm turned him into a beloved and unintentional celebrity chef. Although he never held an official position with Lucky Star, he embraced our brand with a spirit of creativity and warmth that resonated with people from all walks of life,” Lucky Star noted.
The brand also paid a heartfelt tribute to Mboweni: “With heavy hearts, we at Lucky Star join South Africa in mourning Tito Mboweni's passing. His leadership and commitment to our country have left a lasting legacy. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace.”
As Lucky Star prepares to honor Mboweni's memory, the brand
aims to celebrate not only his culinary contributions but also the joy and
unity he inspired among South Africans. In doing so, they hope to create a
lasting tribute that reflects Mboweni’s spirit and the impact he had on the
nation. Fans and followers can look forward to a tribute that captures the
essence of Mboweni's creativity and passion for food, reminding everyone of the
joy he brought to their lives.
Farewell Tito Mboweni 🕊️ You will be missed pic.twitter.com/dDyUnVHQj1
— Lucky Star (@LuckyStarSA) October 15, 2024