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President Cyril Ramaphosa has been amusing Mzansi with the Gen Z ‘clock it’ phrase.
GEN Z slang has jumped from TikTok and landed in Mzansi politics.
Young people have shown that their influence goes far beyond viral trends, Instagram reels and funny online videos.
Their slang, humour and online culture are now finding their way into serious spaces, including politics.
The latest example is the phrase “clock it”.
The phrase has taken Mzansi by storm and even found its way to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“Clock it” is generally used to mean noticing, recognising or acknowledging something.
In simple terms, it means: “I see it” or “spot on”.
#newsnexussa #InCaseYouMissedIt #newsstories #southafricatiktok ♬ original sound – NewsNexusOfficial
The moment quickly went viral.
Many South Africans were entertained by seeing the president embrace Gen Z culture.
Some social media users described him as “cute” and praised his playful side.
But in true Mzansi style, the jokes also came with a dose of reality.
While many laughed at Ramaphosa’s “clock it” moment, others used social media to remind him about serious issues facing young people.
These include unemployment, poverty and gender-based violence.
Clock it Comrades #ANCMayihlomeRally #ANCManifesto2026 #VoteANC2026 ♬ original sound – Fikile Mbalula
Instead of “clock it”, Mbalula reportedly said “click it”, sparking laughter.
Ramaphosa also appeared to correct him.
The moment captured Gen Z’s growing cultural power.