KwaMbonambi – President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the eulogy at the funeral of the late Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa, who died in France at the age of 58.
Presidency Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the Special Official Funeral Category 2 declared for Ambassador Mthethwa will take place tomorrow, Sunday, 12 October 2025.
Magwenya said the funeral service to be held at Dondotha Stadium, KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal, will begin at 9 am.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Sunday, 12 October 2025, deliver the eulogy in honour of the late Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi ‘Nathi’ Mthethwa,” Magwenya said.
The former Cabinet minister was appointed SA Ambassador to France in December 2023.
French authorities have reported that initial inquiries into the death of Ambassador Mthethwa suggest he fell from the 22nd floor of Paris’ tallest hotel, Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile, on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, a day after being reported missing.
The mortal remains of Ambassador Mthethwa, who is survived by his wife, Philisiwe Buthelezi, and children, arrived from France at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday, 10 October 2025, and then flew to Durban’s King Shaka International Airport.
On Saturday, family and Shembe Church members collected the body from Empangeni’s funeral parlour, transporting it home for final rites.
A multi-level task team—comprising national, provincial, and local governments—coordinates logistics, with KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli overseeing on-site efforts.
Road closures are planned along the cortege route to the burial site for a smooth procession.
The ceremony at the family homestead will feature South African Police Service (SAPS) ceremonial elements, including gun salutes and a flypast, befitting Category 2 status.
Attendees will include Cabinet members, African National Congress leaders, and international envoys.
Condolence Books
The government is encouraging anyone who wishes to convey messages of condolence to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Ambassador Mthethwa to do so online using this email address: condolences@gcis.gov.za
Alternatively, visit the following offices and public areas where condolence books are available:
- The Union Buildings in Pretoria
- Parliament of South Africa and Tuynhuys in Cape Town
- OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg
- King Shaka International Airport in Durban
- Embassies in France and Pretoria
- All Legislatures
- ANC Headquarters
- All Premiers’ Offices
Broadcast and Livestreaming
The funeral service will be broadcast live on various local television stations.
