South Africa Reeling After Mysterious Death of Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa

South Africa's Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief of The Azanian

The nation is in shock following the tragic and untimely passing of South Africa's Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa.

His body was discovered outside a Parisian hotel, with reports suggesting he fell from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency hotel in western Paris. The circumstances surrounding Mthethwa's death remain unclear, but French authorities are investigating the events leading up to his passing.

According to reports, Mthethwa's wife alerted French police after receiving a distressing message from him, prompting an urgent search operation. Mthethwa's phone last made contact around 3 pm on Monday near the Bois de Boulogne, sparking fears of a possible suicide. The police, supported by a dog squad, searched the woods in western Paris, but the exact circumstances of his death are still unknown.

Mthethwa, 58, was a prominent figure in South African politics, having served in various capacities, including Minister of Arts and Culture, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, and Minister of Police. He was appointed Ambassador to France in December 2023 and had been instrumental in strengthening diplomatic relations between South Africa and France.

The message sent by Mthethwa to his wife has not been made public, but it is reported to have been a "worrying message" that prompted her to report him missing. The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that an investigation has been opened, and a duty magistrate is going to the scene.

President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep sorrow over Mthethwa's passing, describing it as a "moment of deep grief" for the nation. "Ambassador Mthethwa served our nation in diverse capacities during a lifetime that has ended prematurely and traumatically," Ramaphosa said.

As investigations continue in Paris, the South African government has paid tribute to Mthethwa's dedicated service to the nation. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation confirmed that French authorities are probing the circumstances surrounding his death.

The nation remembers a public servant whose life and career abruptly ended in tragic circumstances. Mthethwa's legacy will be remembered for his commitment to public service and his contributions to South Africa's diplomatic relations.

Mthethwa's death comes amid his recent implication in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. During testimony, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged that, while serving as police minister, Mthethwa attempted to influence former Inspector-General of Intelligence Faith Radebe to drop charges against Richard Mdluli, the former head of police crime intelligence.

The South African government extends its condolences to Mthethwa's family and colleagues, mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant who made significant contributions to the nation.