Cape Town – The family of the late South African ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, confirmed they are working with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) to repatriate his remains for a memorial and funeral.
Mthethwa, 58, was found dead on 30 September after falling from the 22nd floor of Paris’s Hyatt Regency Hotel.
“Once formal processes are complete, we will work closely with the Dirco to bring Nathi home for a memorial and funeral worthy of his legacy,” The Citizen quoted family spokesperson Dr Sfiso Buthelezi as saying.
Preparations have begun to return the remains of South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa. #Newzroom405‘s @SilethiweNdlovu is at the Mthethwa family home in KwaMbonambi.
Watch: https://t.co/4XHuc0VjFR pic.twitter.com/rLjCuTU7pc
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) October 1, 2025
French authorities are investigating his death, with no possibilities ruled out.
At the time of his passing, Mthethwa did not have a security detail, Dirco said.
Some family members expressed unhappiness over how they were informed and have requested more information from the ANC and government.
The family expressed gratitude for public support and for the government and French authorities’ cooperation.
Mthethwa served in various ministerial roles, including minister of safety and security, police, arts and culture, and sports, arts and culture, before his tenure as ambassador.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
