Watch: South African minister fails to pronounce a simple word and what follows is so much fun

In an unexpectedly funny moment during South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) swearing-in ceremony, water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina had Parliament in fits of laughter as she stumbled over the word "conscientiously" while taking her oath of office.

Majodina, known for her bubbly personality and former role as the ANC’s chief whip in Parliament, became the star of the day when she found herself tangled up in the tricky word. "Con-shee-ence-tiously... con-senshe-ous-ly..." Majodina’s repeated attempts to get the word right only led to more laughter, spreading quickly throughout the room.



The Minister couldn’t help but laugh at herself, turning what could have been an awkward moment into a comedic highlight. Soon, the entire Parliament, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, was in stitches, bringing out the lighter side of politics.


The moment provided a welcome break from the usual formality of political events, it was a call for humour and companionship, especially in a cabinet that represented different political parties, like ANC, DA, IFP, and others. Despite the high-pressure nature of their work, the members of Parliament demonstrated that even in serious settings, there’s always room for a little fun.

The video, uploaded online on social media, instantly went viral with most South Africans weighing in with their reactions. An X user (@LifeOfASigma) commented: "I don't blame her; I just tried to do it and saw flames!" Another one said (@qaqamb_a), "I don't think they are laughing at her, they were laughing with her. It’s the 'nantsoke' for me."

That light-hearted moment not only humanized the process but also brought politicians closer to the people and made Majodina more relatable and endearing. The incident was a reminder that, despite their important roles, politicians are just like anyone else, and sometimes it’s the humorous moments that help the public connect with them on a more personal level.

Thumb image credit: X/ Newszroom Afrika,
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