Praise poet’s family celebrates her Sona appearance — and a special moment for the Eastern Cape

The family of Inako Mateza – the praise poet for this year’s Sona – called and messaged her nonstop, eager to see her poetry broadcast across the nation.

“My family is so happy for me,” said the 19-year-old in an interview with Daily Maverick on the eve of Sona. 

“Like they are still celebrating even now… When I go touch my phone, I will see lots of messages from them.”

The position of Imbongi has been a significant part of Sona since the dawn of democracy. The Imbongi narrates the President’s personal history, clan and family lineage through song and dance. 

https://youtu.be/jJWAhtegDGs?si=vST2sPjYgY6Uz6el

Mateza, from Ludiza Village, Willowvale, is not only a poet but also a homoeopathy student at the Durban University of Technology.

She planned to focus her poetry on admiration for President Cyril Ramaphosa, especially during challenging global times. “I want him to know that even if he has a heavy heart about what’s happening currently, we are behind him and still value him as our President,” she said.

She has been writing and performing  poetry for a decade. Beyond her poetry, she is dedicated to cultural preservation through her foundation, which educates about 400 young people about their heritage. She has also received accolades such as Indoni Miss Cultural SA 2023/24 and at the Miss South African Traditional Leaders Awards 2024/25.

Her journey to becoming the Imbongi began in late 2024 when she was invited to apply for the position. “After I got the call, I was so happy,” she recalled. 

The achievement, she said, is particularly meaningful for women in the Eastern Cape, where traditional norms often restrict their roles. 

She reflected on past limitations, re­calling how women were discouraged from leading praise singing during significant events.

“I never thought that I would be able to reach this level, but here I am today,” she said. DM

This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.