South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, has been found dead in Paris under circumstances that remain under investigation.
According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, the body of the diplomat was discovered on Tuesday at the foot of the Hyatt Regency hotel, a high-rise tower in the west of the city. Mthethwa had booked a room on the 22nd floor, where investigators confirmed that a secured window had been forced open.
His wife had reported him missing on Monday evening after receiving what authorities described as a “disturbing message” from him. The prosecutor’s office added that a duty magistrate was present at the scene and that investigations are ongoing.
While French media reports have suggested the possibility of suicide, officials have stressed that they cannot preempt the outcome of the investigation. South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation confirmed his passing, calling it both a personal and national tragedy.
“Ambassador Mthethwa was a distinguished servant of the nation, whose career was marked by dedicated service in critical ministerial portfolios,” the ministry said in a statement, describing his death as “a national loss.”
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Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola also paid tribute, noting the wider impact of his passing.
“I have no doubt that his passing is not only a national loss but is also felt within the international diplomatic community,” he said.
Mthethwa was appointed ambassador to France in December 2023, after serving in several key government roles, including Minister of Arts and Culture (2014–2019) and later overseeing the combined Sports, Arts, and Culture portfolio (2019–2023).
As investigations continue in Paris, tributes are pouring in from South Africa and beyond, with many remembering him as a committed statesman whose work left a mark on both the cultural and diplomatic fronts.
Source: ameyawdebrah.com/
