Cupcake Chronicles: The Story Behind Inako Mateza’s Viral Poem At SONA

• At this year's State of the Nation Address (SONA), praise poet Inako Mateza affectionately referred to President Cyril Ramaphosa as "my Cupcake," sparking a wave of intrigue and amusement among South Africans.
• The nickname "Cupcake" has long been popular among South Africans when addressing the president, adding a playful twist to public discourse.
• Inako revealed on her social media how the Presidency reacted when she informed them she’d include the name in her poem, proving just how much South Africa loves its leader.

Let me tell you, folks, this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) was packed with moments that left everyone buzzing. Some were heated debates, others were inspiring speeches—but nothing quite captured the nation’s attention like Inako Mateza’s poetic tribute to President Cyril Ramaphosa. And let’s be real, when she dropped the line “my Cupcake,” it felt like the whole room lit up. South Africans, known for their sense of humor and creativity, couldn’t help but laugh and cheer. It was one of those unexpected highlights that made the event unforgettable.

Why “Cupcake”? Inside the President’s Reaction

Now, here’s the deal: the nickname “Cupcake” isn’t exactly new in South African politics. For years, citizens have playfully used it as a term of endearment for Cyril Ramaphosa. But what happens when that nickname makes its way into an official state function? Well, we got our answer during SONA 2025, thanks to Inako Mateza.

The 19-year-old praise poet from Willowvale in the Eastern Cape didn’t shy away from incorporating the playful moniker into her powerful performance at Cape Town’s City Hall. On her Instagram page, Inako shared the backstory behind the choice, revealing the Presidency’s response to her bold move. Take a look at what she had to say:

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“About ‘my Cupcake’: I sent the poem to the Presidency with every single word I planned to say there, and they accepted it without hesitation. I even went through rehearsals yesterday, and no one ever told me to change a thing. They were fully on board!”

If you ask me, that’s a pretty big nod of approval from the top office. It shows us just how much the president embraces his connection with the people—and maybe even enjoys the lighthearted nickname. Check out Inako’s full post on Instagram to get the scoop straight from the source.

Who Is Inako Mateza? A Rising Star in South African Culture

Before we dive deeper, let’s talk about Inako Mateza, the mastermind behind this unforgettable moment. According to the Parliament of South Africa, Inako is not your average teenager. This young woman has already racked up an impressive list of accolades, proving herself as both a cultural icon and a community leader. At just 19 years old, she’s already been crowned Best Eastern Cape Poet in 2019, earned the Best Student Leader Award from the Xhosa Great Place, and even snagged the Hustler of the Year award at the Eastern Cape Hustlers’ Awards in 2023.

But Inako’s contributions extend far beyond poetry. She founded the INAKO FOUNDATION, an organization dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and educating people about their roots. Her passion for tradition shines through everything she does, whether it’s reciting poetry or advocating for cultural awareness.

Oh, and did I mention she’s also a student? That’s right—when she’s not wowing audiences with her words, Inako studies homoeopathy at the Durban University of Technology. Talk about balancing talent and academics!

Other Notable Moments from SONA 2025

1. Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane Stuns in Figure-Hugging Dress

While Inako’s poem stole the spotlight, other moments at SONA 2025 deserve recognition too. For instance, who could forget Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane’s stunning entrance? Her figure-hugging dress turned heads and sparked countless compliments online. It was a fashion moment that reminded everyone how style can elevate any occasion.

2. Papa Penny Shines in Royal Blue Suit and Gold Shoes

Musician-turned-politician Papa Penny brought his own flair to the red carpet. Dressed in a sharp royal blue suit paired with eye-catching gold designer shoes, he became one of the most talked-about figures of the night. His bold fashion choice perfectly encapsulated the energy and excitement surrounding SONA.

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3. Political Parties React to the President’s Speech

Of course, SONA isn’t all about fashion and poetry. The political discourse played a significant role as well. While the Democratic Alliance (DA) praised certain aspects of the president’s speech, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the MK Party voiced their dissatisfaction. It’s safe to say that the speech sparked a wide range of reactions, reflecting the diverse perspectives within South African politics.