Nathi Mthethwa Family Awaits Formal Repatriation of Ambassador’s Remains
The family of South Africa’s ambassador to France, Emmanuel Nkosinathi Mthethwa, known as Nathi, is waiting for his body to come home after all the needed steps are done. The 58-year-old passed away in Paris on 30 September 2025, and his body was found in the courtyard of the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile hotel. French officials are looking into what happened, while the family pushes for a full probe to clear up any doubts. This sad event has brought tributes from leaders across the country, who remember him as a true servant of the people. As South Africans come together in grief, questions linger about the details of his death and his last days.
Mthethwa’s passing has hit hard, especially with recent claims linking him to probes into police matters back home. His loved ones say they find comfort in the support from fellow citizens, but they are upset about how they first heard the news. With investigations still going on, the focus now is on bringing his remains back and finding the truth.
The Shocking Discovery in Paris
Nathi Mthethwa checked into a room on the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency hotel in Paris’s 16th arrondissement about 10 days before his death. On 29 September, his phone was last active around 3 pm when he told his wife he was going to a cocktail event. Instead, he stayed at the hotel. That evening, shortly after 9:30 pm, his wife got a worrying message from him where he said sorry and hinted at ending his life. She reported him missing right away, and a search began, even checking nearby woods in western Paris.
The next morning, around 11 am on 30 September, his body was found in the hotel courtyard. The window in his room had been forced open with scissors found inside, but there were no signs of a break-in, struggle, drugs, or alcohol. He was alone at the time, without any bodyguards, which is unusual for someone in his position. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation confirmed he had no security detail with him. Just two days before, on 28 September, he had been at a public event at the Delville Wood Memorial, laying a wreath for a South African soldier from the past, and he seemed calm and focused on his duties.
Family’s Grief and Push for Answers
The Mthethwa family has strongly pushed back against talk of suicide, calling the whole thing mysterious and not like him at all. From their home in KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal, family spokesperson Khulekani Mthethwa said they do not accept that he took his own life. He pointed out that Nathi had faced tough times before, like torture during apartheid, and never gave up. “He endured the worst the apartheid system could do to him and never backed down,” Khulekani explained. The family wonders why he was alone without guards and sees it as too odd.
They are not happy about how they learned of his death, feeling it should have come straight from officials instead of bits and pieces. Still, they have found strength in the kindness shown by South Africans. ANC leaders from KwaZulu-Natal planned to visit the family on Thursday to offer support and pay respects. The family wants both French and South African officials to dig deep into what happened, to stop any wild guesses and get the real story.
Ongoing Probes by French and South African Sides
French authorities are treating the case as a possible suicide but have not ruled out other ideas, like foul play. The Paris prosecutor’s office is leading the inquiry, looking at camera footage, phone records, and travel details. A magistrate went to the scene, and early checks found no third-party involvement. The family praises the French for being open and steady in their work.
Back home, the chairperson of Parliament’s international relations committee, Supra Mahumapelo, called for a proper look into the death to cut down on rumours. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation says French police are still figuring out the exact cause. International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed the probe is in full swing. Some link this to recent claims in South Africa, but no direct tie has been proven yet.
Heartfelt Tributes from Leaders
Leaders have shared warm words about Mthethwa’s life and work. President Cyril Ramaphosa called his passing a time of deep sadness, praising how he served the country well and helped build stronger links with France. National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza remembered him as a dedicated public servant and patriot.
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula sent condolences on behalf of the party, calling Mthethwa a loyal member who gave his adult life to the freedom fight. He highlighted his roles in stabilising security as police minister and boosting heritage and creativity as arts and culture minister. Mbalula noted his discipline and commitment, saying the ANC dips its banner in his honour. Foreign Minister Lamola described him as a standout servant of the nation, felt in diplomatic circles worldwide.
From Youth Leader to Top Diplomat: His Journey
Nathi Mthethwa’s path in politics started as an ANC youth leader and freedom fighter in northern Natal, where he pushed for free political activity under apartheid’s harsh rule. He rose to regional secretary, helping spread the ANC’s reach in communities and unions. A close ally of former President Jacob Zuma, he served as police minister from 2009 to 2017, then arts and culture minister, and later sports, arts, and culture minister until 2023.
He faced controversy, including claims in the state capture inquiry about high-level graft during Zuma’s time. Recently, on 26 September, Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi told the Madlanga Commission that Mthethwa, as police minister in 2011, tried to stop action against a crime intelligence boss. He was also added to a list of 33 people for a parliamentary probe into political meddling in police.
In February 2024, he became ambassador to France, where he hosted events like the first French-South African Investment Forum in May, working to boost ties between the two countries. He was married to Philisiwe Buthelezi, a former CEO and sister to a past deputy finance minister.
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