South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel ‘Nathi’ Mthethwa, was found dead on Tuesday, September 30, outside the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris’ Porte Maillot district. South Africa’s Ambassador to France Nathi Mthethwa was found dead. French prosecutors confirmed that the 58-year-old diplomat had reserved a room on the 22nd floor, where the window had been forcibly opened. Mthethwa’s body was discovered outside the hotel, prompting an immediate investigation by French authorities. Preliminary findings suggest that he fell from the high-rise building without third-party involvement. His wife had reported him missing the previous evening, on Monday, September 29, after receiving a troubling message from him.
Cyril Tamaphosa mourns Nathi Mthethwa South African president Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep sorrow over the ambassador’s death, stating: “The untimely passing of Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa is a moment of deep grief in which government and citizens stand beside the Mthethwa family. Ambassador Mthethwa has served our nation in diverse capacities during a lifetime that has ended prematurely and traumatically. In his last tenure of service, he facilitated the deepening of relations between South Africa and the Republic of France, which has produced benefits for individuals and businesses in both countries and advanced our cooperation in the global arena. May his soul rest in peace.” French authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of Mthethwa’s death. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s tribute to the deceased South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa. What positions did Nathi Mthethwa hold? A veteran of South African politics, Mthethwa held several ministerial roles over the years.
According to the South African Embassy in France, he served as Minister of Arts and Culture from 2014 to 2019, and later as Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture until 2023. Prior to that, he was Minister of Police from 2009 to 2014 and Minister of Safety and Security from 2008 to 2009. He also played a key role in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, serving on the local organising committee’s board. Mthethwa was a senior figure in the African National Congress (ANC) from 2007 to 2022 and had a long history of activism, including underground work with the ANC’s military wing during apartheid. He was arrested during the 1989 state of emergency. His name recently surfaced in the Madlanga Commission during testimony by Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleged that Mthethwa attempted to shield former Crime Intelligence head Richard Mdluli from prosecution.
By Nancy Odindo
