South Africa is set to bid farewell to its late Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, with a Special Official Category 2 funeral. The announcement came from KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli during a heartfelt visit to the Mthethwa family homestead in the KwaMthethwa area at KwaMbonambi, alongside multiple MECs and local mayors.
Mthethwa tragically passed away after falling from the 22nd floor of a hotel in Paris last week, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service to the nation. His funeral is scheduled for Sunday, marking a poignant moment for both family and the nation as mourners continue to flock to the homestead to pay their respects.
As preparations for the funeral intensify, Premier Ntuli spoke fondly of Mthethwa’s unwavering commitment to serving the country with humility and grace. “We are happy to report that the President of the Republic, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, has declared the funeral as a state funeral, a Category 2 state funeral,” Ntuli announced. Furthermore, he revealed that a task team, comprising representatives from the national government and the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government, has been formed to oversee the arrangements.
The Mthethwa family remains actively engaged in the planning, with brother Khulekani Mthethwa stating that family members returning from France were expected on Thursday. “Preparations are going well because we can see that we will make the date that was set for Sunday. Those who accompanied Nathi’s remains in France are returning this evening, and others will make their way back tomorrow with the body, landing on Friday,” he shared. This intimate and touching reunion will see family members welcome Mthethwa’s remains at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport before escorting them to a funeral parlour in Richards Bay.
The African National Congress (ANC) in the province has announced plans to hold a memorial service for Mthethwa on Thursday, as the nation mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant. To further honour his memory, the presidency has also declared that the national flag will fly at half-mast until the conclusion of the funeral on Sunday evening.