Durban – The body of the South African ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, has arrived in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal.
The body of the former minister who was found dead outside a hotel in Paris, France, arrived at the King Shaka International Airport in Durban on Friday, 10 October 2025.
A solemn welcome ceremony was held in the airport’s precinct in front of King Shaka’s statue, after whom the airport was named.
The significance of the ambassador’s mortal remains being brought to the statue ahead of being taken to the local morgue was because of a “special historical relationship” between the Mthethwas and the Zulu monarch’s families.
African National Congress (ANC) representatives were led by the party’s 2nd deputy secretary-general, Maropene Ramokgopa.
She said the death of Ambassador Mthethwa at the age of 58 was also a great loss to the ANC.
Mthethwa was found dead just over a week ago, on 30 September 2025, outside a Parisian hotel in what appears to be a tragic fall from the 22nd floor, where he had booked a room.
“We are indeed saddened by the death of Cde Mthethwa. His death is also a blow to the ANC,” Ramokgopa said.
“He played a pivotal role in various government portfolios.
“He even showcased his dedication and hard work as he was outside the country following his deployment as an ambassador.
“His legacy will be kept alive as he taught us that we need to pick up the spear and run in the movement despite difficult circumstances,” Ramokgopa said.
Ambassador Mthethwa’s brother-in-law, Dr. Sifiso Buthelezi, thanked France for their assistance when he and several other people went to that country to fetch the body.
“I think for me, as I’m standing here, it is just to say thank you,” Buthelezi said..
“We thank God for taking us… up to so far.
“We are now back at home, not alone but with the son of the soil to present him to his family and country at large.”
Earlier on Friday, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation hosted the Official Memorial Service for the Ambassador.
The late ambassador has been honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 and will be laid to rest at KwaMbonambi in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, 12 October 2025.
The funeral service will begin at 09:00 at the Siyabonga Sangweni Sport Complex in Kwa-Mbonambi, located at Dondotha, Kwesakwa Mthethwa, under the uMfolozi Local Municipality, north of Richards Bay.
