Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa was once again called by his unofficial nickname “Cupcake” during the 7th Social Justice Summit at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Friday, 17 October.
A student introducing him to the stage greeted him by saying, “Hello, Cupcake!”, prompting laughter and photos with the president afterward.
“It’s an honour to be here. It’s my first time seeing the president. Hello, Cupcake!,” she said, while waiving at the president.
😭😭 I love this country so much!
🤣🤣 https://t.co/i4AnFiRGot pic.twitter.com/UL3SRZCWEa
— Mbekezeli (@MbekezeliMB) October 17, 2025
IOL reports that the nickname “Cupcake” originated in 2017, appearing in messages allegedly exchanged between President Ramaphosa and several women amid claims that he was romantically involved with and supporting them financially.
One of the leaked emails, from the time when Ramaphosa was campaigning for the presidency, allegedly showed him referring to one of the women by the same affectionate term.
At the time, Ramaphosa admitted to having one affair, saying he had resolved it with his wife, Dr Tshepo Motsepe, and that they now have a “professional relationship.”
Ramaphosa and Motsepe, who is Patrice Motsepe’s sister, share three children — Tumelo, Keneilwe, and Mashudu — while the president has two other children, Andile and Tulisa, from previous marriages.
Also take a look at these viral videos:
“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
@mageba_omncane #cyrilramaphosa #president #southafrica #mageba_omncane ♬ original sound – Mageba Omncane
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu