The Presidency/X: Late Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa will be laid to rest on Sunday in KwaMbonambi at KwaZulu-Natal. A Special Official Funeral Category 2 has been declared in his honour.
Nathi Mthethwa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the late Ambassador Emmanuel "Nathi" Mthethwa will be laid to rest with a Special Official Funeral Category 2.
The South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has on Wednesday declared that the late Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 at his hometown KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday, 12 October 2025.
Mthethwa, who served as South Africa’s Head of Mission in Paris died on 30 September 2025, after falling from the 22nd floor of a hotel in France. His body is expected to arrive in South Africa on Friday.
The 50-year-old was appointed as Ambassador to France in December 2023, after serving in Cabinet for 15 years in the portfolios of Sport, Arts and Culture; Arts and Culture; Police, and Safety and Security. His tenure in the National Executive followed a lifetime of political involvement and leadership.
President Ramaphosa, on behalf of the government and the nation, extended his condolences once again to Mthethwa’s wife, Philisiwe Buthelezi, Mthethwa and Buthelezi families. He also assured the families of the nation’s appreciation for the diverse roles in which Ambassador Mthethwa served the country.
The Special Official Funeral Category 2 declared by Ramaphosa will entail ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service.
Ramaphosa also directed that the National Flag be flown half-mast from Thursday morning, until the evening of the funeral.
