The funeral service of the late Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa took place on Sunday in Dondotha, northern KwaZulu-Natal, with dignitaries, government officials, and family members in attendance to pay their final respects.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was scheduled to deliver the eulogy, had earlier declared that Mthethwa’s funeral would be a Special Official Funeral Category 2, which includes ceremonial honours conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Mthethwa, 58, passed away in Paris last week after falling from a 22nd-floor hotel room. French authorities have since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The former Minister of Police and Arts and Culture, Mthethwa was serving as South Africa’s Ambassador to France at the time of his passing.
Speaking during the funeral, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli described Mthethwa as a patriot and a man devoted to justice, peace, and progress.
“His journey from humble beginnings to serving our nation on the global stage is a story of dedication, discipline, and patriotic service,” Ntuli said.
“His untimely passing comes at a difficult moment when our country and the world are navigating complex geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainties. It is in times such as this that we need seasoned leaders, diplomats, and men and women of his calibre who understand that diplomacy is not only about statecraft but also about building bridges of trust, cooperation, and opportunity.”
Ntuli added that Mthethwa’s legacy would continue to inspire South Africans to pursue unity and progress.
“Nyambose’s legacy reminds us that the work of representing South Africa abroad is deeply connected to building prosperity and peace at home. His departure leaves a void in our national and provincial family, but it also challenges us to nurture and empower a new generation of South Africans who will carry forward his vision of a more united, respected, and economically vibrant nation,” he said.
