President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday paid glowing tribute to the late South African ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, describing him as a “gallant leader who always championed the cause of the oppressed.”
Delivering a eulogy at Mthethwa’s funeral held at Siyabonga Sangweni Sports Complex in Dondotha village, near Richards Bay, Ramaphosa said Mthethwa led by example and excelled in every task he was entrusted with.
“Comrade Nathi led by example from the beginning to the end, and at all times he excelled in the tasks bestowed upon him,” Ramaphosa said.
He urged comrades to learn from Mthethwa’s consistency and dedication, saying leadership was not about how one begins but about staying committed throughout one’s life.
Ramaphosa said Mthethwa’s courage and compassion played a key role in South Africa’s struggle for justice.
“Even in the early stages of his struggle, he fought for the rights of workers who were oppressed in Pinetown. We gather here today to honour the life of a remarkable leader whose courage, conviction, and compassion helped steer our nation towards freedom and justice,” the president said.
He described Mthethwa as an “unapologetic activist” who never backed down in the face of injustice.
“From the earliest days of his activism, ambassador Mthethwa refused to accept the injustice of apartheid. Faced with laws that sought to divide, demean and destroy, he responded not with resignation, but with resolve,” Ramaphosa said.
He added that Mthethwa’s activism was driven not by glory but by purpose — a desire to fight for justice, equality, and dignity.
“For him, living a life of activism was not just about protest; it was about purpose. It was about committing yourself to something larger than personal comfort — justice, equality, dignity, freedom,” he said.
Ramaphosa noted that Mthethwa understood the sacrifices required in the struggle for freedom.
“He knew from an early age that activism is not easy — it is often uncomfortable, even dangerous. He knew it would involve sacrifice, that he would pay a price,” he said.
The president described Mthethwa as a beacon of hope who remained steady in adversity.
“Even in adversity, ambassador Mthethwa remained steady. He was a beacon to many, teaching us that freedom is never free, that resistance sometimes demands sacrifice, but that our highest obligation is to keep faith with the promise of human equality.”
Ramaphosa extended condolences to the Mthethwa family, acknowledging the sacrifices they made for his public service.
“We recognise the many private sacrifices you made so that comrade Nathi might carry public burdens. We stand with you in sorrow, but also in pride — of a life lived with integrity, of a mission fulfilled,” he said.
He urged the younger generation and leaders within the ANC and government to draw lessons from Mthethwa’s life, especially during a time of uncertainty about the future of leadership and public service.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli also spoke at the funeral, commending Mthethwa’s efforts in bringing peace between the ANC and IFP in the province.
ANC NEC member Malusi Gigaba expressed disbelief at Mthethwa’s passing. “Even if we are at his funeral today, we still do not believe that he is no more,” Gigaba said.
Mthethwa’s uncle, Musakawupheli Mthethwa, said the family was still in shock, describing his nephew as a hero within the Mthethwa clan.
