By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General Fikile Mbalula led the party’s delegation to pay homage to the family of the late Nathi Emmanuel Mthethwa in KwaMbonambi, northern KZN.
Mthethwa, who was 58, was found dead outside the Hyatt Regency hotel in Paris on Tuesday, 30 September. The tragedy is still being investigated.
He said while the speculations were understandable given that Mthethwa was a high-profile figure, it would be improper for the ANC to speculate on the cause of his death.
“There are many things that have been said, but we know Nathi. In difficult times. We have been with Nathi in the trenches for a long time.”
So, we know Nathi, we know what he is capable of.
“We are happy that the President is sending a team [of investigators] to work with French police to get deeper and understand what happened, “he said.
Mbalula lauded him as a man who was committed to the task of liberation for all. He says the party has lost a giant.
He described Mthethwa as “a loyal ANC cadre who served the party and the country with distinction”.
“He was fervent believer in political education. He leaves behind a legacy of humble and respectful leadership that must always who remain in touch with our people,” Mbalula stated.
Former Police Minister General Bheki Cele addressed mourners at Mthethwa’s memorial service in Pinetown.
Cele questioned the delay in deploying the SA investigative team to Paris to probe his death.
He criticised some South Africans for showing no sympathy on Mthethwa’s death.
“South Africans, right now, you are Sodom and Gomorrah. You are heartless and have no conscience,” said Cele.
He said the ANC is being harmed by people who are using it for their own personal benefit, adding that the party’s members must go back to basics.
Meanwhile his family has concluded a ritual to fetch his spirit at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mthethwa’s son Mkhululi Mthethwa expressed deep gratitude to those who had supported the family during what he described as an “immensely difficult period”.
“It’s been a long, long journey just to get this far, “he said. “I’d like to express our gratitude as a family for being with us through this immensely difficult period.”
Mkhululi also thanked his uncle Dr Sifiso Buthelezi for immediately stepping in after the family received the tragic news.
“I’d like to thank my uncle for rushing in the middle of the night when we got the news to be by my mother’s side, “he said.
Reflecting on the emotional toll of being separated by distance during their loss, Mkhululi said the family’s close bond had been their source of strength.
“It’s something that one can’t comprehend that when you go through such a difficult time, the family will be so far apart geographically. We are a very close family, we do things together. It’s been that connection between us which has kept us strong from both ends.”
Mthethwa’s remains are expected to arrive at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday, with his funeral scheduled for Sunday in his hometown of KwaMthethwa, KwaZulu-Natal.
Mthethwa began serving as South Africa’s envoy to France in December 2023 – his latest role in a series of high-profile portfolios that included stints as police minister, as well as the minister of sports, arts and culture.
As a young man, he campaigned against apartheid, a racist policy that kept Blacks and Whites apart, and grew through the ranks of the African National Congress (ANC), which fought for democratic rule in South Africa.