Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa’s Unique Funeral: President Ramaphosa to Give Eulogy
KwaMbonambi – President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to deliver the eulogy at the funeral of the late Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa, who passed away in France at the age of 58.
Presidency Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya announced that Ambassador Mthethwa will be honored with a Special Official Funeral Category 2, set to take place tomorrow, Sunday, 12 October 2025.
According to Magwenya, the funeral service is slated to occur at Dondotha Stadium in KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal, starting at 9 am.
“On Sunday, 12 October 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa will present the eulogy in memory of the late Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi ‘Nathi’ Mthethwa,” Magwenya stated.
The former Cabinet minister was appointed as South Africa’s Ambassador to France in December 2023.
French authorities have indicated that preliminary investigations into Ambassador Mthethwa’s death suggest he fell from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile, the tallest hotel in Paris, on Tuesday, 30 September 2025—a day after he was reported missing.
The remains of Ambassador Mthethwa, who is survived by his wife, Philisiwe Buthelezi, and their children, were repatriated from France, arriving at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday, 10 October 2025, before being transported to Durban’s King Shaka International Airport.
On Saturday, family members and Shembe Church congregants retrieved the body from a funeral parlour in Empangeni to take it home for final rites.
A coordinated task team, including representatives from national, provincial, and local governments, is overseeing logistics, with KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli managing on-site operations.
Road closures are planned along the cortege route to ensure a smooth procession.
The ceremony at the family homestead will feature ceremonial honors from the South African Police Service (SAPS), including gun salutes and a flypast to reflect the Category 2 status.
Cabinet members, African National Congress leaders, and international envoys are anticipated to attend.
Condolence Books
The government encourages anyone wishing to express their condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Ambassador Mthethwa to do so online at the following email address: condolences@gcis.gov.za
In addition, condolence books are available at the following locations:
