Cyril Ramaphosa’s shoelace-tying gesture at shopping mall captures public attention

President Cyril Ramaphosa took on a heartwarming task this week by tying a child’s shoelaces.

While greeting people during a walkabout at Canal Walk Shopping Centre in Cape Town, he paused to help a young girl whose shoelaces had come undone.

‘Awww’

In a moment trending on social media, Cyril Ramaphosa was seen placing his phone and bag on the ground before crouching down to tie the laces himself – an act met with smiles, applause, and a chorus of “Awww” from the surrounding crowd.

The unplanned gesture drew praise across platforms, with many South Africans celebrating the president’s humility and calling the moment “classic Cupcake” – referencing his long-standing nickname.

While the shoelaces themselves declined to comment, the online verdict was clear: It was a presidential knot well tied.