President Cyril Ramaphosa says he is saddened by the passing of South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, who has died in Paris, at the age of 58.

Mthethwa’s body was found at the Hyatt Hotel where according to reports, he died from a fall from the 22^nd floor.

Mthethwa served in Cabinet for 15 years in the portfolios of Sport, Arts and Culture and Police.

Ramaphosa has offered his condolences to Mthethwa’s wife, Philisiwe Buthelezi, and his extended family.

The President says that Mthethwa’s death is a deep moment of grief.

“The untimely passing of Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa is a moment of deep grief in which 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 and the Republic of France, which has produced benefits for individuals and businesses in both countries and advanced our cooperation in the global arena,” adds Ramaphosa.

Meanwhile, the French government has launched an investigation into Mthethwa’s death.

The untimely passing of Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa is a moment of deep grief in which 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… pic.twitter.com/mtk0Hpkn80

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) September 30, 2025