Body of late ambassador Nathi Mthethwa arrives in KZN ahead of burial on Sunday

The body of the late South African ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, who died last week at a hotel in Paris, has arrived at King Shaka International Airport before being transported to his home in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Department of Transport and Human Settlements confirmed the arrival of the body at the airport on Friday afternoon.

ANC KZN leaders were also present as they welcomed Mthethwa’s body in his home province.

“Importantly, we express our deepest condolences to the Mthethwa family, especially Sisi Phili (Buthelezi, Mthethwa’s wife), for allowing us to be part of the final journey of our leader,” said KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport Siboniso Duma.

“We know that the family is going through the most difficult period. We wish to thank religious leaders and ordinary members of society who have displayed amazing support.

“We also thank Amakhosi akwaMthethwa, who sent Izinduna and Umkhahlandlu to meet us and the whole family yesterday.”

Duma said it was important to pay tribute to a “son of the soil.”

“At this stage, we wish to welcome ambassador Nathi Mthethwa home,” he said.

“We have decided to host his welcoming activity in front of King Shaka’s statue and King Shaka International Airport to symbolise the role played by the Mthethwa family in the life of Isilo.”

He added that, as a member of the 2010 Local Organising Committee, Mthethwa had played a crucial role in the construction of the airport.

“Importantly, as we all know, the Mthethwa family played a pivotal role in Shaka Zulu’s rise. History books indicate that King Shaka grew up and became a fearless warrior in the Mthethwa Kingdom under King Dingiswayo, who became Shaka’s mentor,” Duma said.

“We say, welcome home, Ambassador Mthethwa. Welcome to King Shaka International Airport. This airport is one of the products of our 30 years of democracy.”

The official memorial service for the late ambassador was held in Pretoria earlier on Friday, where government officials, former colleagues and other dignitaries paid tribute.

Among those who attended were ANC deputy secretary general Nomvula Mokonyane and former Cabinet ministers including Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Malusi Gigaba.

Mthethwa, who previously served as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, died last week at the age of 58 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Official Funeral (Category 2) for Mthethwa, which will take place on Sunday in KZN.

Earlier, during the memorial service in Pretoria, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola said the department was still reeling from shock following Mthethwa’s death.

“More than a week ago, our nation received the harrowing news of ambassador Mthethwa’s passing,” Lamola said.

“With this news, those who loved and shared pivotal moments of his life – as a son, father, husband, brother, colleague, friend, comrade and diplomat – were confronted with unimaginable grief and a deep sense of loss.

“The news of his passing shook us all profoundly, reminding us of the fragility of life and the fleeting nature of time. We have indeed suffered a monumental loss.”

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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