Cape Town - President Cyril Ramaphosa and about 200 others started an early morning walk from the Gugulethu sports ground to Athlone Stadium promptly at 5.30am on Tuesday after a warm-up.
Ramaphosa's invitation to Cape Town residents to join him for the walk was well-received with running clubs, local media personalities, ANC members and eager residents joining him for the 5km walk.
The newly-elected president made waves last week when he was captured walking along the Sea Point Promenade with former finance minister Trevor Manuel on Thursday morning. Last month, lucky beachgoers spotted Ramaphosa, then deputy president, walking along an East London beachfront.
ANC Western Cape secretary Faiez Jacobs said the mood was jovial on Tuesday morning with many residents coming out to see the president.
"Ramaphosa did not want to talk politics, he was there to instill a culture of fitness and connect with people. The president said he usually walked 1km in 6 minutes but because of all the talking his pace slowed right down," Jacobs said.
Ramaphosa said he was on a mission for his "tummy to fall".
"I want my tummy to fall, so I will continue walking," said Ramaphosa. This was followed by laughter from residents and fellow walkers.
South Africans took to social media to voice their opinions on the president's bid to get everyone fit.
I like this new president. He's an upgrade so far. Mind you after Mr Zuma, the Easter Bunny would be an upgrade. That said, he's refreshing. #TummyMustFall Brilliant! pic.twitter.com/JeBLS6FWwm
— Keith Franklin (@TC1Keith) February 20, 2018
President Ramaphosa takes to the streets 'cause the #TummyMustFall - inspiring leader from get go! #capeHealth https://t.co/izPghSpPtX
— Cape Town 🌨 (@CapeTown) February 20, 2018
Just love it ❤. @CyrilRamaphosa is so personable.
I'm Proudly SA. Faith in our future being restored.Thank you.
His security detail must consider his morning walks a nightmare🤣
So rare for any Pres. In the world 2 walk in the general public everyday👏
Also💙 #TummyMustFall 😜
— Pam Natali (@GoldensPam) February 20, 2018
A week ago it was #ZumaMustFall and a week later we have #TummyMustFall
— Earl September (@earlseptember) February 20, 2018
Ramaphosa was elected in Parliament on Thursday by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng.
He takes over to finish off former President Jacob Zuma's term following his resignation on Wednesday night.