‘Our elders are waiting’: Nathi Mthethwa’s son says family longs to lay his father with ancestors

The son of the late ambassador Nathi Mthethwa, Mkhululi, says the family’s elders in KwaZulu-Natal are waiting in heartbreak to lay his father to his final resting place with their ancestors.

The Mthethwa family held a prayer service in Paris, France, ahead of the repatriation of the ambassador’s body on Thursday. Diplomats from other missions joined them to pay their respects.

“From the embassy to Dirco, it’s been a long journey just to get this far, and we want to express our gratitude for the support during this difficult time,” Mkhululi said.

He thanked his uncle, Dr. Sifiso Buthelezi, for rushing to support the family in the middle of the night.

“It’s hard to process that when you’re going through something so painful, the family is scattered across the world,” he said.

Mthethwa, 58, died last week after falling from the 22nd floor of a hotel in Paris. French authorities are investigating the circumstances of his death. His body was found at the foot of the Hyatt Regency in western Paris.

His remains are expected to arrive at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday. 

The funeral will take place on Sunday in his hometown of KwaMthethwa, KwaZulu-Natal.

Speaking about his father, Mkhululi described their family as very close. 

“If you’ve been to any of our family gatherings, you’ll see the bond we share. That connection has kept us strong through all of this,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude for the support shown to the family. 

“My elders are waiting. They have been devastated, hearing the news from so far away. They just want to bring him home and lay him to rest where he belongs, with our ancestors,” he said.

“I would like to thank everyone who has given us strength and stood by us. The love you’ve shown us - please continue to share it. We need people like you, especially in times like this,” he added.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Official Funeral Category 2 for the late ambassador.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi ‘Nathi’ Mthethwa will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 at KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday, October 12 2025,” presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said on Wednesday.

Mthethwa was appointed ambassador to France in December 2023 after serving 15 years in Cabinet, where he held the portfolios of Sport, Arts and Culture; Arts and Culture; Police; and Safety and Security.

Magwenya said Mthethwa’s time in the National Executive followed a lifetime of political involvement and leadership.

Ramaphosa extended his condolences to Mthethwa’s wife, Philisiwe Buthelezi, and the wider Mthethwa and Buthelezi families, saying the nation deeply appreciates his years of service.

The Special Official Funeral will include ceremonial honours performed by the South African Police Service. 

Ramaphosa also directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast from Thursday morning, October 9, until the evening of the funeral on Sunday, October 12.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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