Cape Town – During her introduction at the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 6 February, 19-year-old praise poet Inako Mateza amused President Cyril Ramaphosa and the audience by referring to him as “Cupcake”.
Mateza’s vibrant Xhosa poem, which included the affectionate nickname, quickly became a trending topic on social media, with many South Africans reacting with humour.
“Mandikuyeke my President, mandikuyeke my cupcake [Let me leave you my President, let me leave you my cupcake],” she said.
“Mandikuyeke my President, mandikuyeke my cupcake” Inako Mateza #imbongi. #Isixhosa asitolikwa 🔥🙌🏽🖤
Video cred: @ParliamentofRSA TV #SONA2025 pic.twitter.com/XxAZ0mmrvu— Pan South African Language Board (@PanSALB) February 6, 2025
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Picture: X/@GovernmentZA
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
