Young Xhosa Poet Steals The Spotlight At 2025 SONA

• Inako Mateza, a gifted young poet, delivered a powerful praise poem for President Cyril Ramaphosa during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA).
• The 19-year-old wrapped up her performance by playfully calling the president "Cupcake," a nickname familiar to many South Africans. Her clip went viral on X.
• Social media users were amused and impressed, sparking discussions about her boldness and creativity in using the playful moniker.

Let me tell you about Inako Mateza, a 19-year-old poet from Ludiza Village in Willovale, Eastern Cape. This young woman didn’t just stand out; she absolutely lit up the room when she delivered a heartfelt praise poem for President Cyril Ramaphosa during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall. Her talent and confidence were on full display, and the entire nation sat up and took notice.

Inako, who also founded the Inako Foundation, isn’t just a poet—she’s a force of nature. Her performance was shared on X by @Ramathunyane, and it quickly became the talk of the town. People online couldn’t stop laughing and praising her courage to bring humor and a fresh perspective to such an important event.

When the Praise Poet Meets the President

In the video clip, Inako delivers her poem with passion and poise, paying tribute to the president in isiXhosa. She’s dressed in traditional isiXhosa attire called umbaco, moving confidently as government officials and political leaders watch intently. Standing right beside her is President Cyril Ramaphosa, flanked by Deputy President Paul Mashatile. The energy in the room is electric, and you can feel the weight of tradition meeting modernity in that moment.

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But here’s where things get interesting. As she wraps up her performance, she playfully calls the president "Cupcake," sending the entire City Hall audience into fits of laughter. You can see the smile spread across the president’s face, and honestly, who wouldn’t crack a smile at that? It was a moment of pure joy and levity in the midst of serious political discourse.

Check out the X video below to witness the magic yourself:

South Africa Falls in Love with Inako

The reaction on social media was overwhelming. People were laughing, cheering, and praising Inako for her fearless spirit. Some found her moment lighthearted and refreshing, while others debated whether she fully understood the origins of the nickname "Cupcake." Regardless, her boldness left a lasting impression, showing that even in formal settings, there’s room for humor and humanity.

Social media users had plenty to say. @MonwabisiKete shared, “‘My cupcake!’ South Africa is a happy place! 🇿🇦😊.” Meanwhile, @TebogoMaku93417 summed it up perfectly with, “Iconic 🤣🤣🤣.”

@krapulana joked, “And she ate the cupcake after that ‘kham, kham’ 😩😂,” adding a playful twist to the conversation. Another user, @SmileyCherry_S, wondered aloud, “How did Cupcake manage not to laugh after that? See Paul next to him cracking?”

@kunenephindz offered some context, saying, “Ama-2000 don’t care about decorum. This is a note by a grade 11 learner from the Arts exhibition ‘Dear Mr President, Hear our Voices’ (2024).” And @lwah_maMzi captured the sentiment perfectly, commenting, “He didn’t know whether to burst out laughing or keep a serious straight face 😭😭🤣🤣.”

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Briefly News Highlights from the 2025 SONA

Remembering Fallen Heroes

During the 2025 SONA, President Cyril Ramaphosa took a moment to honor the 14 members of the South African National Defence Force who tragically lost their lives in Goma, a city in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those serving the nation.

A Divided Reaction

While the 2025 State of the Nation Address pleased the Democratic Alliance (DA), it left the MK and EFF feeling dissatisfied. Politics can be messy, but one thing’s for sure—President Ramaphosa managed to spark conversation across the political spectrum.

Jobs for Youth: A Promising Promise?

In his speech, President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed to create more job opportunities for unemployed youth. However, political analyst Prof Dirk Kotze questioned whether this responsibility truly falls under the government’s purview. It’s a debate that continues to resonate with many South Africans, especially in times of economic uncertainty.