SA’s ambassador to Egypt, Ntsiki Mashimbye, has apologised after being read the riot act for an inappropriate joke which embarrassed the country in Egypt on Monday.
TimesLIVE Premium understands Mashimbye’s remarks that “being an ambassador is much easier — all you have to do is eat and drink on behalf of the nation” did not sit well with the leadership of the department of international relations.
So damaging were Mashimbye’s comments to SA’s reputation, that he has been ordered to attend a refresher course on how to conduct himself as an ambassador.
“After that video went viral, the ambassador was read the riot act and he is going to be given a refresher training course on the dos and don’ts of an ambassador after he embarrassed SA on a world stage,” said a source who asked not to be named.
Mashimbye, who was making welcome remarks at the launch of the Pavilion at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt, said: “What I am going to tell you is that there are a number of things that I am and there are a few things that I am not.
“I suspect that when you are the following things, you get appointed as an ambassador, one, if you are a failed businessman. That’s one of the things I was in the past. When I failed as a businessman, I moved on to the public service and I guess I failed at that as well.
“When you are a failed businessman and failed civil servant, I think you become an ambassador because I think being an ambassador is much easier. All you have to do is eat and drink on behalf of the nation. I am sure all of you would do that.”
Pleading for South Africans to forgive him on Wednesday, he said the comments he made were “in jest” he accepted and acknowledged “that it was in bad taste, ill-advised and unbecoming of a SA diplomat.”
He explained: “With the level of noise in the South African Pavilion, and in the immediate surroundings, I sought to draw the attention of the guests by telling a joke.
“I had joked that the criteria for appointment as ambassador includes one having failed at one or other profession. I then proceeded to make my full remarks which are covered on YouTube.
“One of the SA journalists covering the event chose to report on only the first part of my remarks, which did not sit well with some guests and the other South Africans who participated in the launch.”
He said he has received several phone calls and messages “indicating that this joke may not have been appropriate for the occasion and that it was not well received by my comrades and colleagues.”
“Yesterday [Tuesday] I had the opportunity to apologise to our Dirco leadership, which I thought was important to do as a first step in seeking atonement. I now wish to profusely and unconditionally apologise to all of you for my comments.”
The ambassador said it was not his intention to offend anyone, “least of all my colleagues leading SA’s diplomatic missions with distinction and integrity.”
He added he takes full responsibility for his actions and indiscretion.
The department’s Clayson Monyela confirmed the ambassador has apologised.
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