Tito Mboweni, South Africa’s former finance minister, has always been known for his great approach to leadership, but his Twitter feed revealed a different side—a side that sparked laughter, admiration, and the occasional culinary debate. Known to many as the ‘Twitter Chef,’ Mboweni took his passion for cooking beyond the political stage, turning his kitchen into a platform to showcase not just his cooking skills but also some of South Africa’s most beloved food brands.
Tito’s love for cooking and famous brands
Tito Mboweni’s love for cooking was apparent in every tweet, where he would often share step-by-step recipes with his followers. These recipes didn’t just highlight his personal tastes; they also brought attention to household names like Lucky Star, Rajah Spices, ZZ2 Tomatoes, and even Hungry Lion, making him a social media sensation beyond politics. Tito continued to make headlines on Twitter after going for a ‘Chiskop’ at Legendary Barber.
Lucky Star: Mboweni’s canned delight
One of the recurring stars of Mboweni’s kitchen includes Lucky Star—the iconic South African brand known for its canned fish. Mboweni didn’t shy away from using it as a key ingredient in his cooking, often preparing his signature pilchard dishes that many South Africans could relate to. Whether he was preparing a quick meal or a simple spread, Lucky Star became a staple in his kitchen, symbolizing the accessibility and simplicity that Mboweni seemed to cherish in his culinary adventures.
Through his recipes, Mboweni brought Lucky Star into the spotlight, not just as an affordable option, but as a versatile brand that could hold its own in the kitchen of a former finance minister. His posts made the brand feel familiar and essential—just as it had been to generations of South Africans.
Rajah Spices: Adding flavor to his Twitter recipes with Rajah
Mboweni’s cooking was never complete without a generous sprinkle of Rajah Spices. Known for its rich aroma and ability to transform any dish, Rajah Spices were often featured in his stews, curries, and, of course, his famous pilchards. As he added spoonfuls of Rajah to his pots, his followers could almost smell the fragrant spices through the screen.
His use of Rajah spoke to the brand’s role in South African homes—a trusted companion in bringing bold flavors to life. In Mboweni’s kitchen, it became a reminder of how a simple addition of spices can elevate even the most basic of meals.
ZZ2 Tomatoes: Fresh ingredients for every dish
No Mboweni recipe was complete without a hearty helping of ZZ2 Tomatoes. The brand, known for producing some of the finest tomatoes in the country, became a recurring feature in his posts, particularly in his stews and sauces. Mboweni would often joke about the mountains of tomatoes he used in his dishes, a practice that had his followers either nodding in approval or humorously questioning his ingredient choices.
However, it was clear that Mboweni valued quality, and his preference for ZZ2 Tomatoes showed his commitment to using fresh, locally sourced produce. By incorporating these tomatoes, Mboweni further cemented his connection to South African brands that pride themselves on quality and tradition.
Hungry Lion’s response to Mboweni’s chicken stew
One of the more memorable moments in Mboweni’s cooking journey involved a playful interaction with Hungry Lion, the popular fast-food chain. After Mboweni shared a recipe for his chicken stew, Hungry Lion couldn’t resist weighing in on the conversation, cheekily suggesting that they could offer some assistance with his chicken dish. The exchange, though lighthearted, highlighted the influence Mboweni had even beyond the kitchen—his culinary experiments had caught the attention of brands that were happy to engage with him.
It wasn’t just about the food, but the way he connected with everyday South Africans through shared experiences—cooking, eating, and laughing along the way.
Mboweni’s Mini Makeover at Legends Barber
In true Tito Mboweni fashion, the former finance minister wasn’t just open to feedback on his cooking but also his appearance. After receiving playful comments about his signature look, Mboweni decided to undergo a mini makeover. He visited Legends Barber in Rosebank, where he embraced a stylish “chiskop” haircut. Sharing pictures of his fresh new look on X (formerly Twitter), he humorously captioned the people. This makeover moment showcased Mboweni’s down-to-earth personality and his willingness to embrace change.
Tito’s Clarks shoes
Tito Mboweni once took to Twitter after people made fun of his shoes, which cost less than 1000 rand. In response, he joked, “These shoes are Clarks, ok. They are comfortable for old people.” By saying this, he showed that he didn’t care about the price of his shoes, but that comfort was what mattered to him. Mboweni used humor to handle the teasing and reminded everyone that sometimes practical choices, like comfortable shoes, are more important than keeping up with fashion trends. This response made him even more relatable to the public.
A legacy beyond politics
Tito Titus Mboweni passed away on 12 October 2024, after a short illness. His passing marks the end of a remarkable life that combined leadership with authenticity, humility, and a deep love for his country. His legacy will be remembered for his contributions to South Africa’s economy and his ability to bring people together through simple home-cooked meals and heartfelt conversations. May his soul rest in peace and he will surely be missed.
Read more: Pat on Brands| Legendary Barber
