One of the important elements of the SONA since the birth of democracy is Imbongi, the praise singer. Imbongi praise singing gives Africanness pride of place – narrating the President’s personal history, clan and family lineage in song, dance and narration.
The Imbongi for the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) is the esteemed Xhosa-speaking poet, Inako Mateza. At just 19 years old, Inako has already made her mark as a cultural icon and community leader. Born in Ludiza Village, Willowvale, in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape, she founded the INAKO FOUNDATION, an initiative dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and educating over 400 young people about their cultures and traditions.
Inako’s accolades include being crowned Indoni Miss Cultural SA 2023/24 and Miss South African Traditional Leaders Awards 2024/25 and serving as a presenter at the South African Music Awards. She is also a celebrated traditional storyteller and is currently pursuing her studies in Homoeopathy at the Durban University of Technology’s Faculty of Health Sciences.
A multi-award-winning talent, Inako was named Best Eastern Cape Poet in 2019, earned the Best Student Leader Award from the Xhosa Great Place, and received the Hustler of the Year Award at the 2023 Eastern Cape Hustlers’ Awards. Her foundation was also recognised as the Best Community-Building Programme in the Province.
Inako began her poetic journey in 2015 and has since graced stages across South Africa, performing for esteemed leaders such as Premier Oscar Mabuyane and Eastern Cape MEC for Education Fundile Gade, among others. Her work has been featured in publications such as Isolezwe, Daily Sun, and Daily Dispatch, as well as on platforms including the Keith Ngesi Podcast, SABC, eNCA, and Mpuma Kapa TV.
Beyond poetry, Inako is a dedicated community activist who hosts sports tournaments, traditional pageants, and soup kitchens to uplift her community. She embodies the words of former President Nelson Mandela: “It always seems impossible until it is done, and a winner is a dreamer who never gives up.”
Reflecting on her selection as the Imbongi for the 2025 SONA, Inako shared her excitement:
“At just 19 years old, I am ecstatic to be chosen for this honour. It proves that your background doesn’t define you. What truly matters is self-respect, dignity, and grace. I am delighted to express my admiration for the President and show gratitude for the efforts to improve our country.”
Inako believes poetry is not just an art form but a powerful tool for storytelling and advocacy.
“As a member of the youth, I feel it is my responsibility to voice our concerns, including the need for inclusion in decision-making and empowerment through education and skills development,” Inako said. “Through my praise, I will bring to life the legacy of past poets and pave the way for future generations. Poetry is a gift, allowing us to tell our stories as the indigenous children of this soil.”
Inako Mateza is a beacon of hope, culture and youth empowerment, ready to inspire the nation as the Imbongi for the 2025 State of the Nation Address.
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