By Thapelo Molefe
South Africa is mourning the sudden death of its ambassador to France and former Cabinet minister, Nathi Mthethwa, even as his legacy remains shadowed by recent mention at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Mthethwa was found dead on Tuesday in Paris under what officials described as “tragic circumstances.”
His body was discovered at the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile, where he had checked into a room on the 22nd floor.
Investigators confirmed the window of his hotel room had been forced open.
French police have launched an investigation, while tributes and political reactions continue to pour in at home.
President Cyril Ramaphosa led the nation in paying tribute, describing Mthethwa as a loyal public servant whose life ended “prematurely and traumatically.”
“In his last tenure of service he facilitated the deepening of relations between South Africa and the Republic of France, which has produced benefits for individuals and businesses in both countries,” Ramaphosa said.
“The untimely passing of Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa is a moment of deep grief in which Government and citizens stand beside the Mthethwa family.”
The government hailed him as a distinguished servant of the nation, noting his 15 years in Cabinet portfolios including Police, Arts and Culture, and Sport, Arts and Culture, as well as his leadership role in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola said his death is not only a national loss but is also felt within the international diplomatic community.
The ANC called him “a committed cadre of the liberation struggle,” while the uMkhonto weSizwe Party described him as a patriot.
The Afrika Mayibuye Movement, however, urged French authorities to ensure a transparent investigation.
ANC veteran Jeff Radebe remembered him as “a great loss, not only to the ANC, but also particularly to his family and in-law.”
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) said Mthethwa dedicated much of his life to public service, both in Parliament and in the Executive, where he carried out his responsibilities with diligence and commitment.
“His contribution to our democracy, to government, and to South Africa’s place in the global community will be remembered,” IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa.
“We call on the French law enforcement agencies to give their priority attention to investigation into the passing Ambassador Mthethwa, in order to give his family and our country answers and closure to this tragedy.”
COSATU national spokesperson Zanele Sabela said the ANC and its alliance partners were poorer today, having lost a dedicated soldier of Nathi Mthethwa’s stature.
She noted that a little-known fact about Mthethwa was his early activism as a shop steward for the former COSATU affiliate, the Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU), where he first encountered the then-banned ANC.
“The Federation sends its heartfelt condolences to the Mthethwa family, his friends and colleagues, and to the entire nation,” said Sabela.
Those who worked closely with him as Chief Whip of the Majority Party in the National Assembly remembered him as hardworking and committed.
Former Cabinet colleague Malusi Gigaba described Mthethwa as “humble, hardworking and intellectual… someone whose credentials in the struggle can never be doubted.”
In recent months, however, his name resurfaced during the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into political interference in law enforcement.
Testimony by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged that Mthethwa had sought to influence former Inspector General of Intelligence Faith Radebe to drop charges against disgraced crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli.
The Commission has yet to make findings, but the testimony thrust Mthethwa back into the spotlight. Gigaba cautioned against letting untested allegations dominate his memory.
“Any allegations still have to be tested. His side of the story will unfortunately be missing, but we hope the truth will come out,” he said.
According to government authorities, repatriation of his remains will only proceed once the French officials finalise their inquiry and release an official cause of death.
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