President Ramaphosa honours Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa with declaration of Special Official Funeral Category 2

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 at KwaMbonambi in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, 12 October 2025.

Ambassador Mthethwa, who served as South Africa’s Head of Mission in Paris, France, passed away in the French capital on 30 September 2025, at the age of 58.

He was appointed as Ambassador to France in December 2023, after serving in Cabinet for 15 years in the portfolios of Sport, Arts and Culture; Arts and Culture; Police, and Safety and Security.

His tenure in the National Executive followed a lifetime of political involvement and leadership.

On behalf of Government and the nation, President Ramaphosa reiterates his deepest condolences to Ambassador Mthethwa’s wife, Ms Philisiwe Buthelezi, and the extended Mthethwa and Buthelezi families.

The President assures the families of the nation’s appreciation for the diverse roles in which Ambassador Mthethwa served the country.

The Special Official Funeral Category 2 declared by President Ramaphosa will entail ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service.

The President has also directed that the National Flag be flown half-mast from tomorrow morning, Thursday, 9 October 2025, until the evening of the funeral on Sunday, 12 October.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria