US President Barack Obama took the oath of office to begin his second term on Sunday. I thought back.
Nelson Mandela took oath on 10 May 1994, 19 years ago. Did THAT oath change and we missed it?
“In the presence of those assembled here and in full realisation of the high calling I assume as Executive President in the service of the Republic of South Africa I, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, do hereby swear to be faithful to the Republic of South Africa, and do solemnly and sincerely promise at all times to promote that which will advance and to oppose all that may harm the Republic; to obey, observe, uphold and maintain the Constitution and all other Laws of the Republic; to discharge my duties with all my strength and talents to the best of my knowledge and ability and true to the dictates of my conscience; to do justice to all; and to devote myself to the well-being of the Republic and all its people.”
On 09 May 2009 the presidential offices at the Union Buildings reverberated to chants of Mr Zuma's theme song Umshini Wami - Bring Me My Machine Gun - from his supporters ahead of the [inauguration] ceremony.
He was taking the oath "deeply conscious of the responsibilities that you, the people of our country, are entrusting in me”, he said.
"I commit myself to the service of our nation with dedication, commitment, discipline, integrity, hard work and passion.”
"We must hold ourselves to the highest standards of service, probity and integrity." There was a place "for all South Africans, black and white" in the country's future, he added.
"The dreams and hopes of all the people of our country must be fulfilled," he said. "There is no place for complacency, no place for cynicism, no place for excuses.
"We make a commitment here and now, before the eyes of the world, that for as long as there are South Africans who die from preventable disease, for as long as there are workers who struggle to feed their families, for as long as there are children who do not receive a decent education, for as long as there are people who are unable to find work, we shall not rest, and we dare not falter."
My grandma always told me that when you make a promise, you must keep it. Keeping your word is who you are, and more worth than any wealth.
The NG Kerk Dominee said you will go to hell if you make an oath and then break it.......
Sources: AFP
South African History Online
The Telegraph
My faltering memory
My NGK Dominee
Quotes by: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma
Ominous background music: Your imagination
Ominous rioting crowd noises: Disenchanted voters
Gnashing of teeth: Unknown
Smell of smoke: Marikana & De Doorns
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