Nathi Mthethwa’s remains return home, nation honours fallen ambassador

October 10, 2025 54

The mortal remains of former South African ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, arrived in South Africa today. The 58-year-old died in September after reportedly falling from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris, a day after being reported missing.

A memorial service was held on Friday at the DIRCO conference centre in Pretoria to honour the late minister.

He will be laid to rest on Sunday in KwaZulu-Natal, with President Cyril Ramaphosa expected to deliver the eulogy. Ramaphosa has also accorded Mthethwa a special category-two funeral.

Speaking at the memorial service, African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, described Mthethwa’s death as unexpected and urged the public to allow authorities to handle the circumstances surrounding it.

“As the ANC, we have been robbed and hard hit by comrade Nathi’s death. This incident has really pained us, and we never expected it,” Mbalula said.

Former anti-apartheid activist and former African Union Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, praised Mthethwa’s legacy, placing him among South Africa’s fallen struggle stalwarts, including Nelson Mandela and Winnie Mandela.

She said Mthetwa’s sudden passing should be enough reason to teach people to not only be grateful for his contribution during his days of life, but to also be grateful for the lives of their loved ones.

“I can’t help but say that we are saddened by his sudden and tragic departure from our midst. there is a Catholic prayer that says “I know that I am going to die but I don’t know when I will die or how or where I will die’ and when I heard of Nathi’s departure, that prayer came to my mind because non of us, including him, ever thought he will die in France and that he would die now. We were still looking up to him thinking he is going to live much longer and do more things for our country,” Dr. Dlamini-Zuma said, close to tears.

Dr. Dlamini-Zuma likened Mthethwa’s legacy to that of South Africa’s late struggle stalwarts, including Nelson Mandela and Winnie Mandela, saying she has no doubt he has joined the country’s galaxy of fallen heroes.

She described his death as heart-wrenching, adding that she had expected even greater achievements from him.

Meanwhile, ANC First Deputy Secretary-General, Dr. Nomvula Mokonyane, called on South Africans to mourn Mthethwa with dignity and integrity, urging the nation to prioritise service over self-interest, unity over factionalism, and integrity over expediency.

She also dismissed any notion that Mthetwa had been motivated by personal gain during his political career.

Mokonyane added that it is the duty of every South African to contribute toward building a just and united country.

Member of Parliament (MP) and former ANC Youth League President Malusi Gigaba highlighted Mthethwa’s dedication to public service, describing it as unmatched.

Gigaba said Mthethwa held every professional position he occupied with humility, integrity, and courage.

He added that Mthethwa’s legacy proves that history produces transformative leaders.

The exact circumstances of his death remain under investigation.

Mthethwa, 58, held several cabinet positions, including Police and Sports, Arts and Culture, before his appointment as ambassador to France in December 2023.

He was recently thrust back into the spotlight after being named in the Madlanga Commission for alleged interference during his tenure as Police Minister.

He was also listed by the EFF among individuals proposed to be summoned by Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating serious corruption allegations within the South African Police Service (SAPS), as raised by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The ANC First Deputy Secretary-General, Cde Nomvula Mokonyane, delivered a heartfelt message on behalf of the ANC at the Memorial Service of the late Cde Nathi Mthethwa, held at the OR Tambo Building, DIRCO Headquarters, Tshwane.

The service honoured Cde Mthethwa’s legacy as a… pic.twitter.com/e1LYGVO7sD

— ANC – African National Congress (@MYANC) October 10, 2025