A video capturing mourners scrambling for food at the funeral of former Cabinet Minister Nathi Mthethwa has stirred widespread outrage and reflection online, highlighting deep societal issues around poverty, inequality, and public behaviour during solemn events.
The footage, posted on TikTok on Sunday, shows dozens of attendees rushing to grab food and beverages after the official proceedings had ended.
Within 12 hours, the video had garnered over 8 000 likes and nearly 3 500 comments, rapidly becoming one of the platform’s most-discussed posts.
The chaotic scenes, which unfolded at the venue in KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal, showed mourners leaving with multiple food packs and drinks – prompting online users to express dismay at the perceived lack of order and respect for the deceased.
@thobekakakhumalo Nathi mthethwa funeral 📍
“How did we get here as a country? It’s sad and embarrassing,” one TikTok commenter wrote, while others pointed to the harsh realities that drive such behaviour.
Reflection of Economic Struggles
While some criticised the scene as disrespectful, others saw it as a stark symbol of South Africa’s growing food insecurity and economic desperation.
Many users commented that hunger can erode dignity, especially when large public gatherings offer a rare opportunity for free food.
Social commentators weighed in, saying the incident underscores how poverty continues to shape behaviour, even in sacred or ceremonial spaces.
“This was more than a disruption. It was a reflection of a broken system where people are forced to act out of desperation,” one viewer wrote.
Background on Nathi Mthethwa
Emmanuel Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa, aged 58, served in various key government roles including Minister of Police and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture.
At the time of his death, he was South Africa’s Ambassador to France.
He was found dead near the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris on 30 September 2025, after his wife reported him missing the previous evening.
French authorities reported that Mthethwa had booked a room on the hotel’s 22nd floor, where a security window had been forced open.
While the cause of death remains under investigation, officials confirmed that a duty magistrate had been dispatched to the scene and an official inquiry was ongoing.
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A Divided Public Reaction
The funeral, which was attended by high-profile figures and held under Special Official Funeral Category 2, was meant to be a dignified farewell.
Instead, the viral video has shifted the focus to social conditions in South Africa.
Some online users called for better catering management at public funerals to avoid similar incidents, while others lamented the moral decay they felt the incident represented.
“The man gave his life to public service – he deserved better than this,” one user commented.
Still, others insisted that the event should spark urgent dialogue around hunger, inequality, and the need for more sustainable community support.
