SA’s Ambassador to the French Republic, Nathi Mthethwa, has died

Government has announced, with deep sorrow and profound regret, the untimely passing of South Africa’s Ambassador to the French Republic, Nkosinathi ‘Nathi’ Emmanuel Mthethwa.

PHOTO - GovernmentZA: Nathi Mtethwa

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has described Mthethwa as a distinguished servant of the nation, whose career was marked by dedicated service in critical ministerial portfolios, including Minister of Police and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture.

The 58-year-old also served on the Board of Directors for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee.

“His lifelong commitment to public duty was further exemplified by his longstanding contribution to the African National Congress through its highest decision-making structures,” the statement read.

In December 2023, Mthethwa was appointed to strengthen the essential partnership and bilateral ties between South Africa and France.

“I have no doubt that his passing is not only a national loss but is also felt within the international diplomatic community,” said International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola.

The former cabinet minister was reported missing on Monday.  According to reports in the French media outlet Le Parisien, his wife reported his disappearance.  Le Parisien reported that the Paris Prosecutor's Office said his wife received a worrying message from him in the evening. Mthethwa died after reportedly falling from the 22nd floor of a Paris hotel.

The department said the circumstances of his untimely death are under investigation by the French authorities.

“The Government of South Africa extends its deepest and most sincere condolences to the family of Ambassador Mthethwa, and to his friends and colleagues during this period of immense grief.”

He was the Minister of Arts and Culture from May 2014 to 2019. From 2019 to 2023, he served as the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture. Between 2007 and 2022, he served as a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African National Congress (ANC). During the same period, he was a member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of South Africa’s governing party. From 2002 to 2023, he was a Member of Parliament.

The late Ambassador is survived by his wife and children.

 

Done By: Mitchum George