Farewell for SA Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa in KwaMbonambi
South Africa will today bid farewell to its Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa.
Preparations have been finalised for the official state funeral category 2 that is expected to get underway at 9 here at the Siyabonga Sangweni Sports Complex, in the Dondotha area.
The late ambassador died in Paris last week. His body was repatriated on Friday and was transported to a mortuary in Empangeni before being taken to the Mthethwa homestead late yesterday.
READ: Gigaba hails Mthethwa’s lasting impact at KwaMbonambi farewell
The family, led by the Nazareth Baptist Church, held a cleansing ceremony outside the homestead before the remains were allowed to enter, a ritual performed because of the manner in which the ambassador passed away.
A night vigil was held throughout the night, as relatives, friends and community members gathered to pay their last respects.
This morning, state and government officials are slowly trickling in at the venue ahead of the funeral service. Everyone is dressed in black, with some wearing ANC colours to honour the party Mthethwa belonged to.
The mood is sombre, and colleagues appear deeply affected as the reality of the day begins to take hold.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the eulogy.
The service will also be attended by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, government officials, colleagues, and close friends of the late ambassador
KZN Premier Thami Ntuli says the late Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa played a key role in promoting peace and stability between the IFP and ANC in KZN. He says Mthethwa’s legacy lies in uniting people and advancing South Africa’s development at home and abroad. pic.twitter.com/c8Dh5koc13
— ECR_Newswatch (@ECR_Newswatch) October 12, 2025
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