Mapaballo Borotho
- The late ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, was laid to rest at his family home in Kwambonambi, KwaZulu-Natal, during an Official Funeral Category 2.
- The service was attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, senior ANC members, and close friends who paid tribute to his years of public service.
- Mthethwa was remembered as a selfless leader whose legacy will continue to inspire many within the ANC.
South Africa has bid a heartfelt farewell to the late ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa, who was laid to rest at his family homestead in Kwambonambi, KwaZulu-Natal.
The official funeral (Category 2) was attended by close family members, friends, government officials, and comrades from the African National Congress (ANC).
Mthethwa was found dead in a Paris hotel just over a week ago. While initial reports suggest he may have died by suicide, authorities have since launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of death.
Today, the ANC honours the life and legacy of Comrade Nathi Mthethwa at his Special Official Funeral. A loyal servant of the people, a disciplined cadre, and a builder of democratic institutions, Comrade Nathi dedicated his life to the struggle for freedom and the advancement of… pic.twitter.com/ldFHa3teTN
— ANC – African National Congress (@MYANC) October 12, 2025
[WATCH] The hearse carring the mortal remains of #NathiMthethwa arriving at the Siyabonga Sangweni Sports Complex in KwaMbonambi, KZN.#KayaNews KS. pic.twitter.com/wmT7sYGCI4
— Kaya News (@KayaNews) October 12, 2025
Delivering a moving eulogy, President Cyril Ramaphosa described Mthethwa as a selfless and devoted public servant who gave his life to the service of South Africa.
President @CyrilRamaphosa arriving and joining the ceremonial procession at Dondotha Stadium, KwaMbonambi in KwaZulu-Natal, where the Special Official Funeral Service for the late Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa is taking place.
The President will deliver the… pic.twitter.com/2gu4bnBon2
— ANC – African National Congress (@MYANC) October 12, 2025
[WATCH] A casket-bearing procession led by SAPS officials has brought the remains of the late Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa into the Siyabonga Sangweni Sports Complex.
Following the procession closely behind is the family of Mthethwa.#KayaNews #NathiMthethwa KS. pic.twitter.com/Go8EpVvDYR
— Kaya News (@KayaNews) October 12, 2025
Also in attendance were Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and several senior government and ANC officials who paid their last respects to the former minister and ambassador.
[WATCH] Deputy President Paul Mashatile has described Nathi Mthethwa as a hard-working comrade.
Mashatile says government is saddened by his passing.
He died over a week ago in Paris.#KayaNews #NathiMthethwa KS. pic.twitter.com/LvifD7PBFM
— Kaya News (@KayaNews) October 12, 2025
Among the mourners was South Africa’s beloved football fan, Mama Joy Chauke, who shared a touching tribute, revealing that it was Mthethwa who encouraged and shaped her famous ‘Mama Joy’ persona.
[WATCH] SA superfan Joy Chauke says it was #NathiMthethwa who shaped her persona of ‘Mama Joy’ and recounts a trip she took to France.
She says it was during his tenure as Arts and Culture Minister that she recruited supporters when Banyana Banyana was playing. #KayaNews KS pic.twitter.com/iO3IC8ug27
— Kaya News (@KayaNews) October 12, 2025
The ceremony concluded with a final salute to Mthethwa.
READ NEXT: WATCH: South Africa bids farewell to Nathi Mthethwa in official funeral category 2
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