In a remarkable display of talent and cultural pride, 19-year-old Inako Mateza, a multi-award-winning poet from the Eastern Cape, captured the attention of South Africa during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2025. As the president's poet, she became a symbol of youthful creativity and cultural heritage, making history as the first young Eastern Cape poet to usher in the president.
Mateza is not only an accomplished poet but also the founder of the Inako Foundation, which focuses on preserving cultural heritage among young people. "I teach over 400 young virgins about their heritage and how to connect with their ancestors through praise," she shared. Her dedication to cultural education is evident as she balances her studies in Homoeopathy at Durban University of Technology with her passion for poetry.
The highlight of her appearance at SONA was her playful address to President [Name], affectionately calling him "Cupcake." This moment sparked laughter across social media platforms. One user remarked, "Mandikuyeke my cupcake... Ma2000 just don't care," reflecting a generational shift in how public figures are addressed.
Inako later revealed on TikTok that her poem had been approved by the president before her performance. "I did rehearsals yesterday; I was never told to change anything," she explained, emphasizing that humor and respect can coexist in public discourse.
Social media users celebrated her performance, with one comment stating, "We laughed, we found it funny and we loved it too. You were on fire." Inako Mateza's blend of humor and heartfelt poetry not only entertained but also resonated deeply with audiences, solidifying her place as a rising star in South Africa's literary scene.
