South Africans react to Cyril Ramaphosa’s viral R20 church offering (watch)

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to a church in Khayelitsha during the ANC’s Western Cape election campaign has sparked debate on social media, after a post on X claimed he donated just R20 to the church’s offering basket.

The claim quickly attracted reactions from South Africans online, with some mocking the alleged amount while others defended the president, arguing that any donation should be appreciated regardless of its size.

Local government elections

Cyril Ramaphosa visited the Salvation Church of the Revival of Faith at Mew Way Hall in Khayelitsha on Sunday, as part of the ANC’s campaign activities ahead of the local government elections on 4 November.

A post on X claiming that the president placed R20 in the offering basket circulated widely, prompting a mixture of jokes, criticism and support.

However, the R20 figure comes from the social media post and has not been independently verified.

‘He was supposed to circulate the offering basket’

Some users took aim at the president over the alleged donation, with one suggesting he had missed an opportunity to collect more money for the church.

“He ain’t strategic, he was supposed to have circulated the offering basket himself!” the user joked.

Others argued that the amount should not matter, with one commenter writing: “Small or big, its still a donation.”

The discussion also drew comparisons with the cost-of-living pressures facing South Africans.

“I dont blame him, things are tough in this Ramaphosa economy..” another user commented.

Other social media users defended the President, questioning why the alleged amount had become a talking point in the first place.

“He didn’t use your tax money……relax,” one person wrote.

Another asked: “What’s fundamentally wrong with that? Aowa guys. Is giving at church status related?”

The contrasting reactions highlighted how even a brief moment during a political campaign can become a wider discussion about money, leadership and public expectations.

Cyril Ramaphosa steps up ANC campaign in Cape Town

The church visit formed part of a broader ANC campaign push across Cape Town ahead of the 4 November municipal elections.

Cyril Ramaphosa began his Western Cape campaign activities in Athlone with door-to-door visits before travelling to Khayelitsha for the church service. His programme also included further door-to-door campaigning and a public meeting at Monwabisi Park.

The ANC has been encouraging supporters in areas including Khayelitsha, Langa and Mfuleni to turn out in greater numbers on election day.

Voter turnout remains an important factor in the party’s efforts to challenge the DA in Cape Town, where the ANC has struggled to secure control of the metro.