South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa has reacted to the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of the county’s Head of Mission in Paris, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa in Paris, French capital at the age of 58.
Report has it that the South African Ambassador was discovered deceased outside the Hyatt Regency hotel in western Paris on Tuesday, the local prosecutor’s office confirmed.
Ambassador Mthethwa served in Cabinet for 15 years in the portfolios of Sport, Arts and Culture; and Police.
Ramaphosa, in a statement released by the Presidency said, “The untimely passing of Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa is a moment of deep grief in which the government and citizens stand beside the Mthethwa family.
“Ambassador Mthethwa has served our nation in diverse capacities during a lifetime that has 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, advanced our cooperation in the global arena”, the President added.
He offered his deep condolences to Ambassador Mthethwa’s wife, Ms Philisiwe Buthelezi, and the ambassador’s extended family.
The President also extended his sympathies to the Ministry and Department of International Relations and Cooperation, and in particular officials in South Africa’s Embassy in Paris.
His thoughts are also with the extensive network of partners and stakeholders, including the French Presidency and Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, with whom Ambassador Mthethwa had established strong relationships since his diplomatic appointment in December 2023.
Meanwhile, the Ambassador, Nathi Mthethwa, aged 58, had been serving as ambassador since his appointment. Authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances of his death.
