The newly appointed Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina left many in stitches during her swearing-in ceremony after she struggled to pronounce “conscientiously.”
The former underground operative for the ANC’s military wing, uMkhonto Wesizwe was among those sworn in as a minister in the seventh administration.
As Chief Justice, Judge Zondo was about to start with Pemmy’s swearing-in, he made the disclaimer that she had requested an oath in isiXhosa adding that there was non-available. He did however note that they would arrange for her to get it in isiXhosa afterwards.
As she was to commence, the bubbly new Minister of Water and Sanitation picked the oath, cracking up in laughter as she said, “This is drama.”
She began reading the oath adding, “I Pemmy Castelina Pamela Majodina swear that I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa and will obey, will respect and uphold the constitution and all other laws of the republic.
“I undertake to hold my office as a minister with honour and dignity, to be a true and faithful counsellor, not to divulge directly or indirectly any secret matter entrusted to me, and to perform the functions of my office conscientiously.”
As Pemmy struggled to pronounce “conscientiously” she said in isiXhosa (there we go) cracking up those in attendance including the president and the deputy president.
The video was shared on X (former Twitter) by the news medium Newzroom Afrika.
WATCH:
[WATCH] Parliament bursts into laughter as Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina struggles with the pronunciation of the word “conscientiously”.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/f7gQfKX42Z
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 3, 2024
Internet users were quite amused by the video taking time to comment that they found the word ‘conscientiously’ difficult to pronounce too after trying it.
I don’t blame her, I just tried it and I saw flames
— Sigma (@LifeOfASigma) July 3, 2024
Another user highlighted the importance of having people take oaths in their preferred languages, commenting:
I believe that individuals should have the opportunity to take oaths in their preferred language or means of communication, whatever they feel most comfortable with. It’s important to offer a choice of language when administering oaths.
— Wa Lucky Wa Masekani wa Zwathi (@MkasiCharles) July 3, 2024
One user noted the minister’s bubbly personality adding:
Pemmy is just what the country needs right now. She is so full of bubbles and squeek, she’s is my new favorite ?
— Ian (@whitehobo_inc) July 3, 2024
She had asked for this oath in IsiXhosa and none was available. She owes no one any pronunciation
— The Podium Master (@benzantsi) July 3, 2024
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