Late Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa to Receive Official Funeral on Sunday

South Africa’s late Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, will be accorded a Special Official Funeral, Category 2, complete with ceremonial honours by the South African Police Service.

The announcement was made by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli during a condolence visit to the Mthethwa family home in KwaMthethwa, KwaMbonambi, on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. Ntuli was accompanied by members of his executive council, mayors, and other government officials.

Mthethwa, a former Minister of Arts and Culture and long-serving member of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), died last week after reportedly falling from the 22nd floor of a hotel in Paris. He will be laid to rest on Sunday, following the arrival of his remains from France.

Premier Ntuli praised the late diplomat’s service to the nation, describing him as a committed and humble public servant.

“He served our country diligently and with humility. President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Category 2 state funeral in his honour. A joint task team involving national, provincial, and local governments has been established to oversee the funeral arrangements,” Ntuli said.


Preparations are already under way at the family homestead, where community members have been seen cleaning and painting in readiness for the burial.

Mthethwa’s brother, Khulekani Mthethwa, confirmed that family members who travelled to France to accompany the late ambassador’s remains will return by Friday, ahead of the funeral.

“Preparations are progressing well. Some relatives returned this evening, while others will arrive tomorrow with the body. The remains will be received at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport and escorted to a funeral parlour in Richards Bay,” he explained.


Meanwhile, the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal will hold a memorial service on Thursday, while the Presidency has directed that the national flag fly at half-mast until Sunday evening in honour of the late ambassador.

Mthethwa’s passing has drawn condolences from across the political spectrum, with many hailing his decades of service to South Africa both in government and diplomacy.