ANC Hosts Memorial Service As Nathi Mthethwa’s Remains Return Home To KZN

The African National Congress (ANC) held a heartfelt memorial service in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, on Friday to honour the late Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa.

His remains arrived at King Shaka International Airport earlier in the day, where family, friends, and colleagues gathered to receive him with deep emotion.

Mthethwa, who passed away in Paris last week at the age of 58, is being remembered for his decades of dedication to the ANC and the nation. The cause of his death remains under investigation.

ANC Members Gather to Honour a Comrade’s Legacy

As evening fell, dozens of ANC supporters and leaders filled the Empangeni Town Hall to celebrate the life and legacy of the former minister.

Mthethwa was hailed for his contributions to the struggle against apartheid, particularly through his work in underground units in KwaZulu-Natal.

Party members described him as a committed revolutionary who continued to uphold the movement’s founding principles even in modern times.

ANC Second Deputy Secretary General, Maropene Ramakgopa, reflected on his influence:

“He made sure that he reminds us what the movement is all about. He didn’t only do that but he also encouraged and reminded us all the time that whatever it is that is happening in the movement and the country as well, we must lead from the front and we must never give up.”

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Following the memorial, Mthethwa’s remains were taken to a mortuary in Empangeni, where they will remain until the funeral proceedings. The late ambassador will be laid to rest in KwaMbonambi, north of KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday, during a Category 2 Official Special Funeral.

His passing has left a significant void within the ANC and the country’s diplomatic community, as tributes continue to pour in for the veteran leader and public servant.

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