We were all recently surprised when Twitter big wig, Michael Bucwa aka Mr Smeg, famous for his red SMEG kettle landed a date with the glamorous Pearl Thusi. We lowkey expected it to be just a joke, but it actually happened, and it was the cutest thing ever; Mzansi cannot keep calm.
On Saturday afternoon, instead of settling in to watch Big Brother Mzansi as is the norm for many fans, attention was shifted to the #NationalLunchDate with Pearl and Mr Smeg.
It initially looked like an opportunity for Pearl to market black businesses, a noble cause. But she used the chance to put on the businesses of all her famous friends, including ERA by DJ Zinhle, Oskido’s restaurant Daruma and Tshepo Jeans by Tshepo Mohlala. In fact, she was even accused of only using Mr Smeg to market these brands.
But the date finally came and Pearl did not disappoint. Tweeps have been gushing over her for hours. She showed up looking like a million bucks – Pearl always does – and not only gave Smeg the time of his life, but seemed to have a great time too.
It’s happening Mr Smeg is such a gentleman 🥰🥰he brought flowers and opened a chair for Pearl …they both exchanged gifts #NationalLunchDate pic.twitter.com/VULL5NzJE4
— #2ndbookloading (@Fikz_the_Cook) January 29, 2022
It was her humility that captured many hearts. Watching the video – the date was streamed live on YouTube – one could not tell that Pearl is a celebrity and Mr Smeg isn’t. She was kind, sweet and patient, even though Mr Smeg seemed very nervous.
She led the conversation the whole time to ease the pressure off her date, who confessed to being uneasy in front of so many cameras. We can imagine it would be jarring seeing as he is not used to it, which Pearl understood too, and went out of her way to make the experience pleasant for him. She also taught him how to use chopsticks, without a hint of superiority.
Pearl Thusi is a cool lady#NationalLunchDate pic.twitter.com/w5UNl2aZqi
— Jones Mzizi (@jonesmzizi) January 29, 2022
CBD Twitter
Pearl Thusi is one of us as from today!!!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍 #NationalLunchDate pic.twitter.com/Tc6CcZTkAY
— ChrisExcel (@ChrisExcel102) January 29, 2022
There was one moment when the date seemed to be taking a sharp left turn. Oskido, the owner of the restaurant, walked in and went to say hi to the couple. As he greeted his good friend Pearl, he seemed to kiss her, which sent fans wild. They thought it was disrespectful for the two of them to kiss on her date with another man.
"You taste my food. I taste your date"
– Oskido 2022 pic.twitter.com/qZdOLdEtZA
— ChrisExcel (@ChrisExcel102) January 29, 2022
What Oskido did to Mr Smeg was very disrespectful.. Like what happened to brotherhood joe?😭😭😭😭 #NationalLunchDate pic.twitter.com/amMjoyrVBU
— 🅿️Nonduku🇿🇦 (@Nkosi_Shebi) January 29, 2022
Pearl has since said that Oskido did not kiss her, but she has offered no further explanation. However, Mr Smeg did not seem to mind, so maybe it just looked odd on camera but was pretty innocent on the ground.
He didn’t kiss me 😩😩😩😩😂😂😂 https://t.co/qgR1USoTwM
— Pearl Thusi (@PearlThusi) January 29, 2022
Either way, we wouldn’t let that one moment ruin the whole date experience. For a few hours, Pearl and Mr Smeg united celebrities and social media, showing us that they are just human too. Even Twitter trolls took the day off to enjoy the beautiful date between the two unlikely mates.
They way I enjoyed this Mr SMEG & Pearl Thusi date..
I even forgotten that I'm Catfish 😭
— ChrisExcel (@ChrisExcel102) January 29, 2022
That #NationalLunchDate by @PearlThusi and @MichaelBucwa is what we needed as a country, we have been through a lot. Thank you for the entertainment you have us but mina I need free a case of Black Rose Gin to celebrate this achievement we Pearl😅😅 pic.twitter.com/xjWRObtS6H
— Wandile Ntuli (@Wandile_Ntulie) January 30, 2022
Pearl, being the sharp businesswoman that she is, has seen an opportunity in this, and has already pitched it to social media. She asked which other celebrities people would want to see on a date with non-celebs, and fans are already excited. Although she has been called out for trying to steal Mr Smeg’s idea, there is no doubt that a venture like that would get a lot of interest.
Would you guys wanna see another celeb do a national lunch date- which celeb would you want to see go? With which tweleb?#NationalLunchDate
— Pearl Thusi (@PearlThusi) January 29, 2022
For now, allow us to go rewatch the #NationalLunchDate and blush again. Pearl is literally the sweetest, most down to earth, and we stan her endlessly for it.
Our boy is gone 😭😭😭❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZoZrPoRCu3
— ChrisExcel (@ChrisExcel102) January 29, 2022
Guess who is here!!!! @MichaelBucwa @PearlThusi WE OUT HERE!!! pic.twitter.com/ZiXxNRgzMN
— leratokganyago (@Leratokganyago) January 30, 2022