WATCH | ‘My king, my protector’: Wife’s heartfelt goodbye to Nathi Mthethwa

Nathi Mthethwa

Pretoria – Thousands of mourners gathered at the Siyabonga Sangweni Stadium in KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday to bid farewell to former Police Minister and South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, who died in Paris last week at the age of 58.

Mthethwa, who reportedly fell from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris, was laid to rest with a special official funeral category 2, attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, KZN Premier Thami Ntuli, and ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, among other dignitaries.

French authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

In his tribute, Ramaphosa hailed Mthethwa as “a remarkable leader” whose courage, activism, and commitment to justice helped shape South Africa’s democracy.

He urged citizens to honour Mthethwa’s legacy by continuing his fight for justice and unity.

Mthethwa’s wife, Philisiwe Buthelezi Mthethwa, delivered an emotional tribute, describing her husband as her “king, protector, and joy,” while their son, Mkhululi, remembered him as a man of integrity and strength who instilled discipline and values in his children.

“How can I possibly try to articulate your deeds or the experience of being born of a giant? My father was a man of virtue, integrity, courage, and brute honesty. As your children, we know and understand that you did all you could and all that you saw fit to prepare us for the reality,” Mkhululi said.

KZN Premier Thami Ntuli praised Mthethwa’s lifelong dedication to public service, calling him a “patriot and bridge builder” whose journey from humble beginnings to international diplomacy reflected true commitment to the nation’s progress.

Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram

Picture: X/@ReginahMhaule

For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com

Compiled by Betha Madhomu

Article written by