Nathi Mthethwa was found dead at a hotel in the French capital last month, and his body has already arrived in his homeland for burial

South Africa is still reeling from the death of the country's ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola has said.

He confirmed that the ambassador's body, which arrived in the country earlier on Friday, would be transported to KwaZulu-Natal later in the afternoon.

Lamola said this during the official memorial service for the late ambassador held in Pretoria, where government officials, former colleagues and other dignitaries are expected to pay tribute.

"More than a week ago, our nation received the harrowing news of Ambassador Mthethwa's passing," Lamola said.

"With this news, those who loved and shared pivotal moments of his life - as a son, father, husband, brother, colleague, friend, comrade and diplomat - were confronted with unimaginable grief and a deep sense of loss.

"The news of his passing shook us all profoundly, reminding us of the fragility of life and the fleeting nature of time. We have indeed suffered a monumental loss."

Lamola said at the the time of his death, Mthethwa was serving as South Africa's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to France and was also accredited to Monaco.

"As the President remarked in his tribute, among Ambassador Mthethwa's achievements in this role - which he had occupied since 2023 - was the deepening of relations between South Africa and the Republic of France, and advancing our country's contribution to transforming global power relations," Lamola said.

Lamola extended his gratitude to Ambassador David Martino and the French government for their support since Mthethwa's untimely death. He also confirmed that the ambassador's body had landed in South Africa.

"You supported us and his family from that moment until his mortal remains departed last night," he said. "He will shortly be en route back to KwaZulu-Natal, where he will be laid to rest in his beloved rural home of KwaMbonambi."

Mthethwa, who previously served as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, died last week at the age of 58 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris. His family performed a traditional ritual at the hotel to fetch his spirit before repatriating his remains.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Official Funeral for Mthethwa, which will take place on Sunday in KwaZulu-Natal.

Among those who attended the memorial service were ANC deputy secretary general Nomvula Mokonyane and former cabinet ministers including Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Malusi Gigaba.

Lamola also thanked staff from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in Paris for their dedication during this difficult time. "They attended to all issues and ensured that all procedures and processes in France were handled," he said.

"At head office, Deputy Director-General (DDG) Maud Dlomo, who oversees Europe and the Americas, has also been leading the task. Though she could not be here today, she continues her work in Brussels."

He also commended DDG Zane Dangor for his guidance. "This has been a very difficult period for the staff at our mission in Paris and within the department, but they have been holding the fort and will continue to do so. The struggle continues," Lamola said.

First published by IOL

(RT.com)