By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South Africa’s ambassador to France Nathi Emmanuel Mthethwa mortal remains officially touched down on home soil and were received at the King Shaka International Airport this afternoon by his family, friends, and colleagues.
Mthethwa died in Paris last week, and the cause of his passing is still under investigation.
It was a sombre mood as crowds patiently waited for the Mthethwa family to accompany the ambassador’s remains to the airport precinct.
Mthethwa’s remains will be transported home to KwaMbonambi on Saturday afternoon, ahead of Sunday’s special official funeral at the Siyabonga Sangweni Sports Stadium in Dondotha.
His return home has marked the start of a series of memorial services, with one held in Empangeni, followed by a night vigil at the family homestead on Saturday night.
ANC supporters and leaders packed the Empangeni Town Hall in northern KZN to pay tribute to the life of their late leader.
Speaking at the memorial service, ANC provincial task team (PTT) convenor Siboniso Duma said, despite having worked hard to ensure that the apartheid government was overthrown, Mthethwa strongly believed in a multi-racial South Africa.
“From a very young age, he believed in the co-existence of Whites, Africans, Indians and Coloureds.
“It’s for these reasons he used every opportunity to shake to the core the system that confined South Africans to segregated neighbourhoods.
Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, described Mthethwa’s death as unexpected and urged the public to allow authorities to handle the circumstances surrounding it.
“As the ANC, we have been robbed and hard hit by comrade Nathi’s death. This incident has really pained us, and we never expected it, “Mbalula said.
The Department of International Relations and Corporation also hosted the official memorial service for Mthethwa.
He was remembered as a servant of the people, a man whose commitment to justice, discipline, and human dignity left an indelible mark on South Africa’s political and diplomatic landscape.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola described Mthethwa as “a giant of thought and service” whose diplomatic work quietly deepened South Africa’s global standing.
“We have indeed suffered a monumental loss. Ambassador Mthethwa worked his quiet magic in strengthening ties between South Africa and France — deepening friendship, building trust, and ensuring that our voice carried weight on global platforms.”
Representing the French government, Ambassador David Martinon expressed France’s sorrow over Mthethwa’s death, describing him as ‘a great friend of France’ whose diplomacy strengthened the historic bonds between the two nations.
“He was exceptionally committed to deepening our partnership, his wisdom, wit, and warmth made him an irreplaceable ally and friend. He worked tirelessly to strengthen cooperation in trade, culture, and diplomacy.”
Martinon confirmed that the French government had worked closely with South African authorities since the ambassador’s death, ensuring ‘full cooperation and transparency’ in all related processes.
“His passing was mourned not only in South Africa but also in France. His name will remain forever associated with friendship, dialogue, and understanding between our two nations.”
Former anti-apartheid activist and former African Union Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, praised Mthethwa’s legacy, placing him among South Africa’s fallen struggle stalwarts.
She said Mthethwa’s sudden passing should be enough reason to teach people to not only be grateful for his contribution during his days of life, but to also be grateful for the lives of their loved ones.
“I can’t help but say that we are saddened by his sudden and tragic departure from our midst. there is a Catholic prayer that says “I know that I am going to die but I don’t know when I will die or how or where I will die’ and when I heard of Nathi’s departure, that prayer came to my mind because non of us, including him, ever thought he will die in France and that he would die now. We were still looking up to him thinking he is going to live much longer and do more things for our country,” Dr. Dlamini-Zuma said.
Dr. Dlamini-Zuma likened Mthethwa’s legacy to that of SA’s late struggle stalwarts, including Nelson Mandela and Winnie Mandela, saying she has no doubt he has joined the country’s galaxy of fallen heroes.
He will be laid to rest on Sunday in KwaMbonambi, north of the province, with President Cyril Ramaphosa expected to deliver the eulogy.
Mthethwa, 58, held several cabinet positions, including Police and Sports, Arts and Culture, before his appointment as ambassador to France in December 2023.
His political legacy is a study in contrasts—one that mirrors the broader ambiguities of South Africa’s democratic era. Within ANC ranks, he will be remembered as a steadfast cadre of the liberation struggle and a disciplined servant of the democratic state.