Who Is Nathi Mthethwa? From ANC leader to South African Ambassador
South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, has been found dead in Paris.
The South African Government confirmed his passing, describing Mthethwa as a distinguished servant of the nation.
Mthethwa, 58, was reported missing on Monday afternoon after his mobile phone was last detected near the Bois de Boulogne.
The circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated by French authorities.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, Ronald Lamola, said:
“I have no doubt that his passing is not only a national loss but is also felt within the international diplomatic community.
“The Government of South Africa extends its deepest and most sincere condolences to the family of Ambassador Mthethwa, and to his friends and colleagues during this period of immense grief.”
Mthethwa’s death brings a sudden end to a decades-long political career that spanned South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy and key leadership roles in government and the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
Born on January 23, 1967, Mthethwa rose through the ranks of the liberation movement from his teenage years. He joined the Klaarwater Youth Organisation in KwaZulu-Natal at 15, later becoming its chairperson and serving as the first branch secretary of the ANC in Klaarwater in 1990.
During the late 1980s, he was recruited into the ANC’s underground military wing, uMkhonto We Sizwe, as part of Operation Vula and was arrested during the apartheid state of emergency in 1989.
After the dawn of democracy, Mthethwa became a prominent organiser within the ANC Youth League, holding multiple leadership positions including regional secretary and NEC member between 1990 and 2001. He later joined the ANC’s National Organising team before entering Parliament in 2002, where he served until 2023.
During his parliamentary career, he chaired the Minerals and Energy Portfolio Committee and became ANC Chief Whip in 2008.
He went on to hold several ministerial posts, including Minister of Safety and Security (2008–2009), Minister of Police (2009–2014), and Minister of Arts and Culture (2014–2019). From 2019 to 2023, he served as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, where he oversaw key cultural and sporting initiatives, including preparations for major international events.
Mthethwa was appointed South Africa’s Ambassador to France after leaving the Cabinet in 2023, representing the country in Paris until his death.
Throughout his career, he was a longstanding member of the ANC’s National Executive Committee and National Working Committee, shaping party strategy and policy over more than a decade. He also held academic credentials in community development, mining engineering, and leadership communication.
Nathi is survived by his wife and children.
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