By Akani Nkuna
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the eulogy at the funeral of South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, on Sunday.
Mthethwa, 58, passed away in Paris on September 30.
His funeral service will take place at the Dondotha Stadium in KwaMbonambi, outside Richards Bay.
“The Special Official Funeral Category 2 declared by President Ramaphosa will include ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service,” the Presidency announced on Friday.
Mthethwa’s body arrived in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday following a repatriation process facilitated by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, with ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula describing Mthethwa as “a loyal cadre and disciplined servant of the people.”
Apart from Ramaphosa, Sunday’s funeral is expected to draw senior government officials, diplomats, members of the clergy and representatives from the arts and security sectors, all of whom worked closely with Mthethwa during his years of public service.
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