“Yho, Guys, Stop Abusing Pap": Young Man’s Pap Cake Leaves South Africans Stressed in Viral Video

• A university student sparked controversy on TikTok by creatively presenting stiff pap as a "cake" with triangular slices
• While some praised the gent's ingenuity and found the clip humorous, others were left feeling bewildered and defensive of the traditional South African dish's cultural significance
• The "pap cake" video went viral, with many taking to the comments section to share their thoughts, ranging from playful jokes to criticisms, and sparking a lively debate about creativity and cultural tradition

A university student has sparked mixed reactions across Mzansi after sharing a TikTok video showing an unusual take on a beloved South African staple, pap.

The short clip, which has since gone viral, shows the young man, believed to be a student staying in residence, cutting stiff pap into triangular cake-like slices and presenting it as if it were a celebratory dessert.

University student sparks debate with viral 'pap cake'

In the video shared by the gent himself on 23 July 2024 under the handle @itztumza22 shows the slices of pap are stacked on a plate, creating what viewers have jokingly dubbed a "pap forest." While some found the clip hilarious and praised the student’s creativity, others were left feeling bewildered and even a little heartbroken over what they saw as an unnecessary “abuse” of a cherished dish.

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Pap, also known as mieliepap, is a traditional South African dish made from ground white maize. It’s a staple food in many households and is typically served soft, stiff, or crumbly depending on regional preference. It pairs well with gravy, chakalaka, meat, or even milk and sugar for breakfast. Its cultural significance runs deep, often tied to family meals and communal gatherings.

Social media users flooded the comment section with reactions ranging from playful confusion to cultural defence. Despite the outrage, some defended the student’s creation, saying it reflects the ingenuity and survival spirit of res life, where students often have to get creative with limited resources.

Whether it's a joke or a genuine attempt at innovation, one thing is certain: the “pap cake” has Mzansi talking.

Take a look at the video below:

SA cracks jokes over the pap cake

South Africans were amused, and they flocked to the comments section to poke fun at the young man's pap, while some simply laughed it off.

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Thakamangana said:

"Pizza pap."

Mafusi Vanessa asked:

"My question is, how exactly did you manage to get it out of the pot looking like that?"

NomaChule added:

"Pap has been through it all this year, yoh."

Chris MJ expressed:

"Yho, guys, stop abusing pap."

Gatsha Mahlangu wrote:

"Do you still remember that lady who made pap nuggets for her child to eat at school? I haven't healed from that. 😭😭"

Orosnatural shared:

"Papa velvet."

PINO🌟 joked:

"The type of cake that's affordable for January babies. 😭😭"

Sassyboyy15 commented:

"Pap forest."

Award-winning South African chef, Siba Mtongana, shared a traditional recipe on Woolworths TASTE for making stiff pap.

• Bring 3 cups of water to a rapid boil in a large saucepan and add a pinch of salt.
• Gradually stir in 2 cups of maize meal (mielie meal), starting with half and covering the pot.
• Reduce heat to medium‑low and cook for about 8-10 minutes, then stir vigorously for a minute to combine completely.
• Add the remaining maize meal slowly, stirring and smoothing out lumps.
• Reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot, and let it steam for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.
• Finally, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of butter and serve warm.

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More stories on pap by Briefly News

• Briefly News reported that a self-proclaimed “Pap Rights” activist has Mzansi in stitches after releasing a hilarious video calling for the end of what he describes as the “abuse of pap."
• A viral TikTok video showcasing a woman mixing pap with frozen vegetables sparked widespread culinary outrage and humour in South Africa, underscoring the nation's strong defence of its food traditions.
• The young woman decided to make pap after expressing that she missed her mother. Taking to her TikTok account, Nara shared with app users that while growing up, her mother would always make pap, tomato chutney and "some kind of leafy green vegetable."

Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.

Source: Briefly News