Nathi Mthethwa: What really happened to South Africa’s ambassador to France?

South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, has been found dead outside a hotel in Paris.

According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, the 58-year-old diplomat was discovered at the foot of the Hyatt Regency hotel in the city’s western district. His wife had reported him missing on Monday after receiving a troubling message from him. Investigators revealed that Mthethwa had checked into a room on the 22nd floor of the hotel and that a secured window appeared to have been forced open. French media, including Le Parisien, reported that his death is being treated as an apparent suicide.

South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation described his passing as a “national loss” and confirmed that French authorities are investigating the circumstances. Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, paid tribute to him, stating: “I have no doubt that his passing is not only a national loss but is also felt within the international diplomatic community.”

Appointed ambassador in December 2023, Mthethwa was charged with deepening South Africa’s diplomatic and economic ties with France. His career in public service spanned decades: he was Minister of Arts and Culture from 2014 to 2019, later serving as Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture until 2023. Prior to that, he had led the police ministry between 2009 and 2014, and briefly served as Minister of Safety and Security from 2008 to 2009.

Beyond government portfolios, Mthethwa was a key figure in South Africa’s political landscape. He was a member of parliament for over two decades, from 2002 until 2023, and sat on the board of the 2010 FIFA World Cup local organising committee. The ministry hailed him as a “distinguished servant of the nation” with a lifelong commitment to public duty and to the African National Congress at its highest levels of decision-making.

The South African government extended its condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, noting that he is survived by his wife and children.

FAQs

1. Who was Nathi Mthethwa?
Nathi Mthethwa was South Africa’s ambassador to France, appointed in December 2023. He previously held ministerial roles in arts, culture, sports, safety, and policing, and served in parliament from 2002 to 2023.

2. How did Nathi Mthethwa die?
He was found dead outside the Hyatt Regency hotel in Paris. Investigators believe he may have taken his own life, though official investigations are still underway.

3. What was his contribution to South Africa?
Mthethwa played a key role in government, serving in senior ministerial positions for more than a decade. He was also a member of the board for the 2010 FIFA World Cup local organising committee and was instrumental in strengthening South Africa’s diplomatic ties.

4. Why is his death considered a national loss?
His decades-long service to government, parliament, and diplomacy made him one of South Africa’s most prominent public servants. His sudden death is seen as a setback both nationally and within the international diplomatic community.

5. Who survives him?
He is survived by his wife and children.