ANC hails Nathi Mthethwa as a disciplined, loyal member – SABC News
The African National Congress (ANC) says South Africa’s Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa was a disciplined party member.
ANC First Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane says Mthethwa used to advise her on important party-related decisions.
Mokonyane was speaking at a memorial service that the International Relations Department hosted in Pretoria.
“Comrade Nathi understood the discipline of struggle. He knew that the strength of our movement lies not in words, but in consistency humility and integrity. From his youth during the struggle to his final years during his public service, he embodied the ANC’s finest traditions service before self, loyalty without arrogance.”
Also speaking at the memorial, ANC NEC member Malusi Gigaba says Mthethwa showed dedication in all the roles he played.
Gigaba says the party has lost a people’s servant.
“We met as young activists in KwaZulu-Natal in the ANC Youth League in the late 80s and early 90s and since then, we forged bonds of friendship and brotherhood that have endured over decades. Even then his dedication to the struggle was unmatched. His tenure as ambassador to France reflected his commitment to the international solidarity and represented our country with dignity.”
Nathi Mthethwa Memorial | Nomvula Mokonyane pays tribute:
Arrival of body
Meanwhile, Mthethwa’s family members say today is a bittersweet moment as they prepare to welcome his body back home.
A delegation of the Mthethwa and Buthelezi families left the homestead near KwaMbonambi on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast for the King Shaka International Airport in Durban.
Mthethwa’s coffin will arrive in Durban later Friday afternoon.
His brother-in-law, Khulekani Buthelezi, says preparations are under way for the funeral on Sunday.
“It’s a sad day but we’re happy in a sense that finally the body of our brother Dingiswayo has arrived. We’re getting ready now to go to King Shaka to actually receive the body as a family of Dingiswayo and the Shenges. So, we’re really happy, we’re looking forward to receive the body finally and start the process of laying him to rest in a dignified way.”
-Additional reporting by Nonhlakanipho Magwaza