‘He behaved with expert severity’ – Cyril Ramaphosa and others share tributes to Tito Mboweni

Following the sudden death of famed politician and former Finance Minister Tito Mboweni, former colleagues of the deceased and the public have shared tributes on social media.

Tito died on Saturday evening after a short illness, at the time of his death he was 65 years old.

His family confirmed the news in a statement that read: “It is with deep sadness that the Mboweni family announces the passing of former Reserve Bank Governor and Finance Minister Tito Mboweni (…). He died on Saturday evening in hospital in Johannesburg, surrounded by his loved ones.”

Although Tito was best known for holding some of the most prominent yet serious positions in government, in recent years he has been best known for entertaining his X (earlier Tweet) followers with some of his most creative culinary dishes. This earned him a new title, namely known as the Twitter Chief.

Furthermore, President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has had close ties to Tito, recently paid tribute to his former colleague.

“Given his sense of vitality and energetic, gracious commitment to fellow South African citizens, Dr. Mboweni at the age of 65 as a shock,” said Ramaphosa.

“We have lost a leader and fellow countryman who served our nation as an activist, economic policy innovator and advocate for labor rights.”

“He conducted himself with expert precision, while maintaining the personal touch that made him a social media star and ambassador for Modjadiskloof’s culinary traditions. His death is a great loss,” concluded Cyril Ramaphosa.

Known for cooking up a storm with his favorite ingredient, Lucky Star sardines, netizens have since called for the introduction of limited edition Tito Mboweni Lucky Star packs as a sign of recognition to the former minister.

We have lost a true South African icon💔🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/SXuKPC8AW7

— Lucky Star (@LuckyStarSA) October 13, 2024

Can you honor him by putting his photo on your products? 🙏 He single-handedly launched your brand without receiving any compensation. pic.twitter.com/I6plNL6GjE

— Not a Peace Officer (@StHonorable) October 13, 2024

Create a limited edition lucky star tin finish with his face

— 🅲🅷🆄🅽 🅱🆁🅾🅽_🅸🅶🆄🅾🅳🅰🅻 (@Ihhashi_Turkei) October 13, 2024

I still can’t believe that our Twitter chief, Tito Mboweni, has passed away at just 65 years old.

Some people just deserve to live longer. I honestly didn’t see this coming.

May his soul rest in eternal peace. 🕊️🕊️#RIPTitoMboweni pic.twitter.com/qoJ01VvopB

— P_MAX (@DDT_PM) October 12, 2024

Related: Tito Mboweni reacts to his face on Lucky Star can