President Cyril Ramaphosa granted a Special Official Funeral Category 2 for Ambassador Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa. This honoured decades of service to South Africa. The Nathi Mthethwa official funeral recognised his work as an anti-apartheid activist, Cabinet minister, and, most recently, South Africa’s Ambassador to France.
President’s Tribute: “Remarkable Leader”
At the funeral in KwaZulu-Natal, Ramaphosa hailed Mthethwa as a “remarkable leader” whose courage and conviction helped steer the country toward democracy. He praised Mthethwa’s belief in culture’s power “to heal, to unite” and his commitment to representing South Africa abroad with purpose and integrity. The President urged South Africans to honour his legacy by renewing their commitment to equality, justice, and unity.
Career of Consequence
Mthethwa served as Police Minister from 2008 to 2014 and as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture from 2014 to March 2023. This was before his appointment as Ambassador to France. The Nathi Mthethwa official funeral highlighted this record of leadership and his dedication to public service.
Ongoing Cooperation on Paris Inquiry
circumstances. National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola said the SAPS scaled back its planned five-member team to one senior officer. This officer will liaise with French counterparts, stressing this is routine police-to-police cooperation to secure first-hand updates. DIRCO remains engaged. SAPS’ role is to receive information and ask necessary questions, Masemola said.
A Nation Pays its Respects
The Special Official Funeral Category 2 included ceremonial elements performed by SAPS. As tributes continue, the Nathi Mthethwa official funeral stands as a reminder of a life spent in service—and of the values he championed.
