The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has called on French authorities to give their full attention to the investigation into the death of South Africa’s Ambassador to France Nathi Mthethwa, in order to give his family and the country answers and closure. 

Mthethwa, 58, a former Police and Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, was found dead at the Hyatt Hotel in Porte Maillot in Paris yesterday after he went missing – he is believed to have died in tragic circumstances after falling from the 22nd floor of the hotel.

The International Relations ministry said the circumstances surrounding his untimely death are currently under investigation by the French authorities.

AFP reported that Mthethwa’s wife had reported him missing on Monday, she received a message in the evening “in which he apologised to her and expressed his intention to end his life”, prosecutor Laure Beccuau said in a statement.

“Initial investigations suggest that this could have been a deliberate act, without the intervention of a third party,” Beccuau said, while emphasising the investigation would seek to collect all the details.

In a statement, IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said the party extends its heartfelt condolences to Mthethwa’s wife Philisiwe Buthelezi, children, family, friends and colleagues.

“Our prayers are with them, that they may be strengthened and comforted in the days ahead.”

Hlengwa said Mthethwa’s sudden and tragic passing leaves the nation reeling and those who knew him personally and politically in immense grief.

“Ambassador Mthethwa dedicated much of his life to public service, both in Parliament and in the Executive, where he carried out his responsibilities with diligence and commitment. His contribution to our democracy, to government, and to South Africa’s place in the global community will be remembered.”

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

In a statement the presiding officers said his death is a great loss not only to his family, friends and comrades, but also to the country he dedicated his life to serving.

“Throughout his career, he embodied the values of accountability, humility and service. His tireless efforts to uplift young people, promote cultural identity, and strengthen democratic institutions will remain his enduring legacy. Parliament extends its deepest condolences to his wife, children, extended family, colleagues, comrades and the African National Congress. May his soul rest in peace.”

The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal said Mthethwa’s death was a significant loss for the Mthethwa family and a considerable loss for the party.

ANC leader in KZN, Mike Mabuyakhulu, said Mthethwa served the ANC from the youth league all the way to the party’s top structure. 

“He was a brilliant mind, an ideologue, and a debater who expressed his views without fear or favour, especially in debates that required deep thinking. He expressed his views within the principles of the ANC. This is a loss for the ANC and a loss for the country, as he had served it. We want to express our deep condolences; we are saddened by his passing and the circumstances of his death,” he said.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) said it is saddened by the news of the passing of the ambassador.

“A little-known fact is that Mthethwa was a shop steward for the former COSATU affiliate, Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU), and it was through his activism in the union that he came across the then-banned ANC. The ANC and Alliance are poorer today, having lost a dedicated soldier of Comrade Nathi’s stature.”

THE MERCURY

Source link