The shock death this week of former Cabinet Minister and South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, stunned the nation and sent ripples of grief across diplomatic and political circles.
Mthethwa, a veteran politician and statesman, died in Paris in what French authorities are investigating as a suspected suicide.
A Tragic Timeline
According to French investigators, Nathi Mthethwa had made a reservation at the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile nearly two weeks before his death.
His original check-in was scheduled for 27 September, with a planned departure the following day.
However, records show that he postponed his stay, checking in instead on Monday, 29 September – the very same day he would later be reported missing.
Family spokesperson Sifiso Buthelezi confirmed that French police walked the family through hotel records and CCTV footage to reconstruct the ambassador’s final hours.
“On the 29th indeed he came, he checked in. And that is why they were checking the cameras,” Buthelezi said.
A Final Message
Later that evening, Nathi Mthethwa’s wife, Philisiwe Buthelezi, received a chilling message – one of farewell and apology, in which her husband declared his intent to take his life.
French prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed the existence of the message, which is now part of the formal investigation.
Inside the Hotel Room
When authorities entered Mthethwa’s 22nd-floor hotel room, they discovered evidence suggesting a deliberate act:
- The secured window had been forced open
- A pair of scissors was found nearby
No signs of forced entry or struggle were present. French investigators have, for now, ruled out third-party involvement, stating that the death appears to be self-inflicted.
However, the investigation remains open, with officials cautioning against premature conclusions.
National Mourning and Public Reaction
Back in South Africa, news of Nathi Mthethwa’s death prompted an outpouring of shock, sorrow, and reflection.
Once a central figure in national politics – having served as Minister of Police and Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture – Mthethwa was known for his resilience in the often-unforgiving arena of public service.
He had only assumed his ambassadorial post in France in December 2023.
Many South Africans have taken to social media, expressing not only condolences but also concern over the mental health toll of public life, questioning whether enough is being done to support the psychological well-being of even the country’s highest-ranking officials.
Presidential Tribute
President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a formal statement calling the ambassador’s passing both “untimely” and “traumatic.”
“Ambassador Mthethwa has served our nation in diverse capacities during a lifetime that has ended prematurely and traumatically,” the president said.
“His death is a moment of deep grief for all of us.”
The official investigation continues in Paris and repatriation arrangements are being made.
