Mthethwa’s Son Says Family Are Waiting To Lay Him To Rest With Ancestors “They Are Devastated”

The family of the late South African ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, is longing to bring him home for his final farewell. Speaking in Paris, his son Mkhululi Mthethwa said the family’s elders in KwaZulu-Natal are waiting in sorrow to lay him to rest with his ancestors.

The Mthethwa family held a prayer service in Paris ahead of the repatriation of the ambassador’s body, which is expected to arrive at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday. Diplomats and fellow South Africans in France joined the family to pay their respects.

“From the embassy to Dirco, it’s been a long journey just to get this far, and we want to express our gratitude for the support during this difficult time,” said Mkhululi. He also thanked his uncle, Dr Sifiso Buthelezi, for travelling urgently to be with the family, saying, “It’s hard to process that when you’re going through something so painful, the family is scattered across the world.”

Grieving Family Shares Memories of a Strong Bond

The 58-year-old ambassador died last week after falling from the 22nd floor of a Paris hotel. French authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. His body was found at the foot of the Hyatt Regency in western Paris.

Mkhululi described his father as a man deeply connected to family and tradition. “If you’ve been to any of our family gatherings, you’ll see the bond we share. That connection has kept us strong through all of this,” he said.

He added that their elders are struggling with grief, saying, “My elders are waiting. They have been devastated, hearing the news from so far away. They just want to bring him home and lay him to rest where he belongs, with our ancestors.”

Expressing gratitude to those who have offered comfort, he continued, “I would like to thank everyone who has given us strength and stood by us. The love you’ve shown us—please continue to share it. We need people like you, especially in times like this.”

Ramaphosa Declares Special Official Funeral for Mthethwa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Official Funeral Category 2 for the late ambassador. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, 12 October 2025, in KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi ‘Nathi’ Mthethwa will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 at KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday, October 12, 2025,” said presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.

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Mthethwa, who was appointed ambassador to France in December 2023, served more than 15 years in Cabinet, leading the ministries of Sport, Arts and Culture; Arts and Culture; Police; and Safety and Security.

Magwenya added that Mthethwa’s national service reflected “a lifetime of political involvement and leadership.”

President Ramaphosa extended condolences to Mthethwa’s wife, Philisiwe Buthelezi, and both the Mthethwa and Buthelezi families, acknowledging the ambassador’s contribution to the nation.

The funeral will include ceremonial honours by the South African Police Service, and the national flag will fly at half-mast from Thursday, 9 October, until the evening of the funeral on Sunday.

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