President Cyril Ramaphosa is yet to deliver the eulogy at the funeral service of South Africa’s ambassador to France Nathi Mthethwa.

Various speakers are paying tributes to Mthethwa at the funeral service, which is currently under way at the Siyabonga Sangweni Sports Complex in KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal.

Mthethwa was found dead in a Paris hotel’s inner courtyard after falling from the 22nd floor more than a week ago. His body was repatriated on Friday.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has affirmed the commitment to advancing the vision articulated by Mthethwa, centered on fostering a united Africa and a cohesive Global South dedicated to peace.

Ntuli has pledged that Mthethwa’s legacy will persist, positioning KZN as a province emblematic of peace and a beacon of renewed hope inspired by his enduring contributions.

“You’ll recall that between the IFP and the ANC there was violence in the province, but now we are working together, we’ve taken it even to another level, where even in government. The IFP and ANC are working together at different levels. The main points of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi have passed on, making the point for reconciliation, and I think Nyambose’s message must be pointing in that direction to all of us to finalise the issue of negotiations between the IFP and the ANC for reconciliation.”

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The late ambassador to France is being laid to rest today in KwaMbonambi.

WATCH | KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli describes the late ambassador Nathi Mthethwa as a visionary leader who played a crucial role in ensuring peace and stability in the province. pic.twitter.com/IHXd8vGtkM

— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 12, 2025