(MENAFN) South Africa continues to mourn the passing of its ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, as his remains arrived in the country on Friday ahead of his final journey to KwaZulu-Natal, where he will be laid to rest on Sunday with a Special Official Funeral declared by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Speaking at an official memorial service in Pretoria, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola paid tribute to Mthethwa, describing the loss as a national tragedy that has left many in deep sorrow.

“More than a week ago, our nation received the harrowing news of Ambassador Mthethwa’s passing,” Lamola said. “With this news, those who loved and shared pivotal moments of his life – as a son, father, husband, brother, colleague, friend, comrade and diplomat – were confronted with unimaginable grief and a deep sense of loss.

“The news of his passing shook us all profoundly, reminding us of the fragility of life and the fleeting nature of time. We have indeed suffered a monumental loss.”

Mthethwa, 58, died last week while serving as South Africa’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to France, a post he held since 2023. He was also accredited to Monaco. His death occurred at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris, where his family performed traditional rites before repatriating his remains.

Lamola highlighted the diplomat’s efforts to strengthen bilateral ties with France and enhance South Africa's role on the global stage. “As the President remarked in his tribute, among Ambassador Mthethwa’s achievements in this role – which he had occupied since 2023 – was the deepening of relations between South Africa and the Republic of France, and advancing our country’s contribution to transforming global power relations,” Lamola said.

He also thanked the French government and Ambassador David Martino for their assistance during the repatriation process. “You supported us and his family from that moment until his mortal remains departed last night,” Lamola said. “He will shortly be en route back to KwaZulu-Natal, where he will be laid to rest in his beloved rural home of KwaMbonambi.”

Mthethwa previously served as South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture and held multiple leadership roles throughout his political career.

Government officials, dignitaries, and former colleagues gathered in Pretoria to honor his memory ahead of Sunday’s funeral, which will mark the culmination of a week of national mourning.

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