Pretoria: The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) will host the official memorial service for the late Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa on Friday, 10 October 2025. Ambassador Mthethwa served as South Africa’s Head of Mission in Paris, France, and passed away in the French capital on 30 September 2025, at the age of 58.
According to South African Government News Agency, Mthethwa was appointed as the Ambassador to France in December 2023 after serving in the Cabinet for 15 years, holding the portfolios of Sport, Arts and Culture, and Police. His tenure in the National Executive followed a lifetime of political involvement and leadership.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the late Ambassador will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 in KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday, 12 October 2025. This Special Official Funeral will include ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service (SAPS). The President has also directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast from today until he is laid to rest.
The memorial service will be held at the DIRCO Conference Centre, OR Tambo Building, Rietondale, Pretoria, from 10 am.