Durban – The body of South Africa’s late ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, who died last week at a Paris hotel, has arrived at King Shaka International Airport and was transported to his home in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Department of Transport and Human Settlements confirmed the arrival on Friday, with ANC KZN leaders present to receive his remains.
[WATCH] #Newzroom405 senior politics reporter @ZiyandaNgcobo has more from King Shaka International Airport, KwaZulu-Natal, where the late
SA ambassador to France Nathi Mthethwa’s remains have arrived. They will be taken to a funeral home in Empangeni ahead of Sunday’s special… pic.twitter.com/Nc5eI0foFv— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) October 10, 2025
KZN MEC for Transport Siboniso Duma paid tribute to Mthethwa as a “son of the soil,” thanking his family, religious leaders, and community members for their support, IOL reported.
The welcoming ceremony was held at King Shaka International Airport to honour Mthethwa’s role in the airport’s construction as part of the 2010 World Cup Local Organising Committee, and the historical ties between the Mthethwa family and King Shaka Zulu.
[WATCH] The family of Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa is on hand to receive his mortal remains in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of his Special Official Funeral on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/rAVqwpdqJF
— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 10, 2025
Earlier the same day, an official memorial service took place in Pretoria, attended by senior ANC members including Nomvula Mokonyane, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and Malusi Gigaba.
Nathi Mthethwa’s friend, Malusi Gigaba, describes the late ambassador as a historian of note with significant scholarly contributions both local and internationally.
Watch: https://t.co/wkn9rNn5rA pic.twitter.com/XNUMMBITJG
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) October 10, 2025
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola described Mthethwa’s death as a profound loss to the nation.
Mthethwa, a former Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, died at the age of 58, and President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Official Funeral (Category 2) to be held on Sunday in KwaZulu-Natal.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
