President Ramaphosa to deliver eulogy at late ambassador Nathi Mthethwa’s funeral in KZN

Mapaballo Borotho

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President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the eulogy at the funeral of South Africa’s late ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa.
Mthethwa has been accorded a Special Official Funeral Category 2, with full police ceremonial honors.
His death in Paris remains under investigation by both South African and French authorities.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to deliver the eulogy at the funeral of South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday.

Mthethwa has been granted a Special Official Funeral Category 2, which includes ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service. The honour reflects his years of dedicated service to the nation, both in government and diplomatic circles.

The late ambassador passed away just over a week ago, reportedly from suicide. His lifeless body was discovered in the courtyard of the Hyatt Hotel in Paris after allegedly falling from the 22nd floor.

His death remains under investigation by both the South African Police Service and French authorities.

Mthethwa’s remains returned to South Africa on Friday, following a government memorial service held in Pretoria.

In Durban, a solemn ceremony took place outside the airport terminal, where ANC leaders gathered as his casket, draped in the ANC flag, was received.

Speaking on behalf of the ruling party, ANC National Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri described the moment as a deeply painful experience, reflecting the profound sense of loss felt within the movement.