It was meant to be a formal occasion, but Abenathi Ntshotsho, a Grade 7 learner, turned it into the most heart-warming South African moment when they looked at President Cyril Ramaphosa and cheerfully said, “Hello, Cupcake!”
Western Cape, South Africa (17 October 2025) – It’s not every day that a Grade 7 learner manages to upstage the President of South Africa… but that’s exactly what happened at the 7th Social Justice Summit at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The Social Justice Summit, hosted by Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Social Justice, brings together policymakers, legislators, civil society, traditional leaders, academics and the judiciary to work towards equality, food security and peace. Under the theme “Social Justice, Food Security and Peace: Pathways to Equality, Solidarity, Sustainability and Climate Resilience,” the 2025 gathering also ties into South Africa’s G20 leadership, positioning the country to champion both the African agenda and global cooperation.
But amidst the serious topics, it was this moment, unscripted, joyful, authentically South African, that stole everyone’s hearts.
Before reading the preamble, Abenathi Ntshotsho took to the stage, turned to President Cyril Ramaphosa, and with complete sincerity and excitement exclaimed, “It’s my first time seeing the President… hello, Cupcake!”
The crowd erupted, the internet followed, and for a brief, beautiful moment, South Africa laughed together.
😭😭 I love this country so much!
🤣🤣 https://t.co/i4AnFiRGot pic.twitter.com/UL3SRZCWEa
— Mbekezeli (@MbekezeliMB) October 17, 2025
The short clip, now doing the rounds online, has everyone smiling from ear to ear. It’s pure, unscripted joy. The kind that only South Africans can deliver. The comments say it all.
“Even children know him as cupcake 😂😂”
“This made me giggle so much 🥹😍😂”
“I think Ramaphosa would have been the greatest SA president if he was a good president man😂😂”.
“Man…. I love my country 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦”
As another pointed out, “Oh, they knew she was going to capture the people’s hearts 🥹🤌🏾”
“SA is the best. You can’t convince me otherwise”
Somewhere between policy debates and high-level dialogue, this little moment reminds everyone of something we often forget: humour is part of our DNA. Even when discussing social justice, food security, and climate resilience, a single child’s greeting managed to cut through the seriousness and fill the room with laughter.
Cupcake” has long been the nickname South Africans use for President Cyril Ramaphosa and hearing it echoed in such an innocent, heartfelt way made the moment even more iconic.
It’s uniquely South African to mix reverence with humour; to respect authority while still giving it a warm, local nickname. And somehow, that’s exactly what makes us who we are… our ability to find light, laughter and connection even in formal spaces.
by 
Awwwww, now that was absolutely adorable! 💖💖💖 Thanks for sharing this and for bringing just smiles and positivity to our beautiful country. We appreciate you all! 🙏🤗💖