Ramaphosa orders special official funeral for late ambassador Mthethwa

Nathi Mthethwa

KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal – President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2, following his sudden passing in Paris on 30 September 2025 at the age of 58.

The funeral is scheduled for Sunday, 12 October 2025, in KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal.

Ambassador Mthethwa, who was appointed South Africa’s Head of Mission in France in December 2023, previously served in Cabinet for 15 years across key portfolios including Sport, Arts and Culture, and Police and Safety and Security.

His career reflected a lifetime of public service and political leadership.

Ramaphosa expressed profound sorrow over the loss, saying, “South Africa mourns a dedicated servant whose life was devoted to the betterment of our nation. Ambassador Mthethwa’s passing leaves a void that will be felt deeply across government and our communities.”

The President extended condolences to Amabassador Mthethwa’s wife, Ms Philisiwe Buthelezi, and the extended Mthethwa and Buthelezi families.

“Our hearts are heavy with grief. His family, and indeed our nation, have lost a leader whose commitment and courage shaped the lives of many,” he added.

The Special Official Funeral Category 2 will include ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service. President Ramaphosa has also ordered that the national flag be flown at half-mast from Thursday, 9 October, until the evening of the funeral.

Meanwhile, the family of Mthethwa has confirmed that his body will be flown from Paris to South Africa tonight, arriving at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday and then transported to King Shaka International Airport in Durban.

Aording to EWN, a procession will take the remains to the family home in KwaMbonambi ahead of a Category 2 official special funeral on Sunday.

Senior family members have already traveled to Paris to perform key rituals, while South African authorities, including SAPS, are assisting French authorities with the investigation.

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