Following the passing of South Africa’s Ambassador to France Nathi Mthethwa, many have come out to offer their condolences and remember him as a “distinguished servant of the nation”.

On Tuesday, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed Mthethwa’s passing, highlighting that the circumstances of Mthethwa’s death were under investigation by the French authorities.

French media reports said Mthethwa was found dead at the foot of the Hyatt Regency hotel, a high-rise tower in Porte Maillot in the west of Paris.

This after he was allegedly reported missing by his wife on Monday.

Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation chairperson Supra Mahumapelo said Mthethwa’s passing was a “national loss”.

He said the committee noted Mthethwa’s success in his diplomatic role, for which he was appointed in December 2023, in strengthening the vital partnership and bilateral ties between South Africa and France.

“The committee was looking forward with confidence and trust to Ambassador Mthethwa’s diplomatic wisdom in taking South Africa’s diplomatic relationship with France to new heights,” he said.

He said Mthethwa passed away at a time when the country needed diplomats of his calibre more than ever.

“…he was one of the best and selfless revolutionary diplomats the country has produced. He leaves behind an indelible legacy the country will always cherish,” Mahumapelo said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said Mthethwa’s passing was a “moment of deep grief” and noted his roles in diverse capacities during a lifetime that had ended “prematurely and traumatically”.

“In his last tenure of service, he has facilitated the deepening of relations between South Africa and the Republic of France, which has produced benefits for individuals and businesses in both countries and advanced our cooperation in the global arena,” Ramaphosa stated.

He offered his condolences to Mthethwa’s wife, Philisiwe Buthelezi, their extended family, the Ministry and Department of International Relations and Cooperation, and officials in South Africa’s Embassy in Paris.

The President also acknowledged the network of partners and stakeholders, including the French Presidency and Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, with whom Mthethwa had established strong relationships since his diplomatic appointment in 2023.

The Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza, and National Council of Provinces chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, also expressed sadness at Mthethwa’s passing.

The Presiding Officers said throughout his career, Mthethwa embodied the values of “accountability, humility and service” and described him as a committed youth leader during the apartheid struggle, and as someone who carried his passion for justice and empowerment into the democratic era.

“Over nearly three decades, he served the nation with distinction as chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Energy, Chief Whip of the African National Congress (ANC), Minister of Police, and Minister of Arts and Culture, and later Sport, Arts and Culture,” they explained.

The Presiding Officers said Mthethwa’s efforts to uplift young people, promote cultural identity, and strengthen democratic institutions would remain his enduring legacy.

Meanwhile, Mthethwa’s political party, the ANC, said he was not merely a public official but a “committed” cadre of the liberation struggle and a “dedicated” servant in the country’s democratic era.

“…his life was one of both struggle and service.

“From the years of resistance, clandestine work, and sacrifice, Comrade Mthethwa contributed to the collective efforts that won our democracy. In the post-1994 era, he accepted the responsibilities of shaping the new South Africa. He served in multiple ministerial portfolios,” said ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu.

She stated Mthethwa aimed for transformation, cohesion, and dignity to the people throughout his various roles.

“As a member of the ANC National Executive Committee and National Working Committee between 2007 and 2022, he played a role in guiding the direction of our movement,” she said.

Bhengu said Mthethwa’s presence would be missed in the party’s ranks, but said his legacy endured in the “policies he advanced, the institutions he helped build, and the values he upheld”.

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) extended its condolences to the family and friends of Mthethwa, saying he would be remembered for his “dedicated service” to the nation as Minister of Police, Sport, Arts and Culture, and as South Africa’s Ambassador to France.

The GOOD Party noted his passing and offered its condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues in the ANC.

In memory of Mthethwa, the South African Communist Party (SACP) reiterated its call for the unity of the working class in the struggle for total social emancipation.

The SACP recognised the role Mthethwa played in the country’s liberation struggle, and his contribution in the trade union movement, where he served as a shop steward in the Food and Allied Workers Union in the late 1980s, helping to galvanise and strengthen the working-class forces against apartheid rule.

“His active role in the underground, particularly in the ‘Operation Vula” in 1988 and 1989, was instrumental in weakening the apartheid regime, pursuant to which the oppressive regime detained him during the 1989 state of emergency,” the party said.

Meanwhile, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) said it was shocked to hear of Mthethwa's passing, and it is urging the French law enforcement agencies to give their priority attention to investigate his passing.

IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa noted that Mthethwa's "sudden and tragic passing left the nation reeling" and those who knew him personally and politically, in immense grief.