Parliament and political parties have sent condolences to the family and friends of the late Ambassador and former minister Nathi Mthethwa.

Mthethwa died after falling to his death at a hotel in Paris on Tuesday at the age of 58, almost a week after he was named in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry for allegedly interfering in police operations.

Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane have expressed profound sadness at the passing of Mthethwa.

“His passing is a great loss not only to his family, friends and comrades, but also to the country he dedicated his life to serving,” Mothapo said.

Mthethwa became an MP in 2002 at the age of 35 and served as the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Energy two years later.

In 2008, he became the chief whip of the ANC.

Mothapo said Mthethwa was a committed youth leader during the struggle for liberation.

“Mr Mthethwa carried his passion for justice and empowerment into the democratic era, where he played a pivotal role as part of the second term of Parliament.”

Mthethwa also served in the Cabinet for 15 years in the portfolios of police, sports, arts and culture.

He was appointed as South African Ambassador to France in December 2023, a position he held until his death.

Mothapo said Mthethwa served the nation with distinction.

“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,” he said.

“Parliament extends its deepest condolences to his wife, children, extended family, colleagues, comrades and the African National Congress,” added Mothapo.

The International Relations and Cooperation Portfolio Committee also sent condolences to the Mthethwa family and his friends and colleagues.

Chairperson Supra Mahumapelo said Mthethwa was a distinguished servant of the nation, whose career was marked by dedicated service in critical ministerial portfolios, including police and sport, arts and culture.

“His passing is a national loss,” Mahumapelo said.

He said the committee had been looking forward with confidence and trust to Mthethwa’s diplomatic wisdom in taking South Africa’s diplomatic relationship with France to the new heights.

Mahumapelo said Mthethwa died at a time when the country needed diplomats of his calibre more than ever before.

“He was one of the best and selfless revolutionary diplomats the country has produced. He leaves behind an indelible legacy the country will always cherish,” said Mahumapelo.

GOOD party leader and Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said her party noted with sadness the passing of Mthethwa.

“We extend our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues in the African National Congress,” De Lille said.

ACDP chief whip Steve Swart said they learned with sadness about the passing of Mthethwa.

“On behalf of Rev Kenneth Meshoe MP and the leadership of the ACDP, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Ambassador Mthethwa, and to his friends and colleagues,” Swart said.

IFP spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said Mthethwa’s sudden and tragic passing left the nation reeling and those who knew him personally and politically, in immense grief.

Hlengwa described the former minister, who dedicated his life to public service both in Parliament and in the executive, as someone who 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,” he said.

“We call on the French law enforcement agencies to give their priority attention to the investigation into the passing Ambassador Mthethwa, in order to give his family and our country answers and closure to this tragedy,” added Hlengwa.

mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za

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