Watch| Mzansi In Stitches As Student Calls President Cyril Ramaphosa ‘Cupcake’ On Stage

South Africans never miss a moment to serve vibes — even in front of the president! President Cyril Ramaphosa found himself trending again on Friday, 17 October, after a grade 7 student boldly greeted him as “Cupcake” during the 7th Social Justice Summit at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

While introducing him to the stage, the student smiled sweetly and said: “It’s an honour to be here. It’s my first time seeing the president. Hello, Cupcake!”

😭😭 I love this country so much!

🤣🤣 https://t.co/i4AnFiRGot pic.twitter.com/UL3SRZCWEa

— Mbekezeli (@MbekezeliMB) October 17, 2025

The entire room burst into laughter — including the president himself — as the lighthearted moment quickly went viral online.

Where Ramaphosa’s “Cupcake” Nickname Comes From 

Now, for those who might not know the sugar-dusted backstory — “Cupcake” isn’t just a random pet name. The nickname first surfaced back in 2017, after leaked emails allegedly showed Ramaphosa referring to one of his female acquaintances by the term during his presidential campaign.

At the time, the president reportedly admitted to having one affair and said he and his wife, Dr Tshepo Motsepe, had since resolved the matter. The two, who have been married since 1996, now reportedly maintain what he called a “professional relationship.”

Ramaphosa and Dr Motsepe — who happens to be billionaire Patrice Motsepe’s sister — share three children together: Tumelo, Keneilwe, and Mashudu. The president also has two other children, Andile and Tulisa, from previous relationships.

Mzansi Reacts: “This Girl Is a Legend!” 

Social media had a field day with the viral clip, with many wondering whether the student knew the history behind the nickname or just thought it was cute.

Here’s what the streets had to say:

@NnaKgabo_: “I doubt she knows the context 😹😹😹 Do most people even get it? Good Lord.”

@TheeBLCKBARBI: “I want to see Cupcake’s reaction so bad 😭😭😭.”

@Sbudaa__: “It’s quite perplexing how Cyril Ramaphosa is a darling to so many South Africans — even though he’s running the country on autopilot.”

@Pianopella: “She was so respectful with her little knee bow 😭😭😭😭❤️.”

@Siya_ZAR: “Only in South Africa could you do this and get away with it 🤣.”
@denabout: “This kid just became a legend with one greeting.”

Whether it’s politics or pop culture, South Africans will always find the humour — even when it comes to the president’s old scandals. And honestly? That “Hello, Cupcake” might just go down as one of the most iconic greetings of 2025.

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