The African National Congress (ANC) paid tribute on Tuesday to Nathi Mthethwa, South Africa’s ambassador to France. He died in Paris at the age of 58.
The Ministry of International Relations and Co-operation confirmed his death, saying French authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances.
French media reported that authorities discovered Mthethwa’s body outside the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile hotel in the Porte Maillot district after his family reported him missing on Monday evening.
ANC tribute
In a statement, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu described Mthethwa as a committed cadre of the liberation struggle and a dedicated public servant.
“Comrade Mthethwa was not merely a public official. He was a committed cadre of the liberation struggle and a dedicated servant of the people in our democratic era. His life was one of both struggle and service,” the statement read.
The ANC said it would remember Mthethwa’s contributions to the policies he advanced. It also praised the institutions he helped build and the values he upheld.
Career in government
Before his ambassadorial post, Mthethwa served as Minister of Police and later as Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture and as the Minister of Police.
He also served on the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC) and took up his posting at the French Embassy last year.
The Madlanga Commission recently implicated Mthethwa in alleged political interference during his time as police minister.
The ANC extended condolences to his family, promising support in their grief. He leaves behind his wife and children.
