Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa Receives Special Official Funeral Category 2 Honor
Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the late Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa will receive a Special Official Funeral Category 2 in KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday, 12 October 2025.
Ambassador Mthethwa, who held the position of 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, following a notable 15-year career in Cabinet, where he managed the portfolios for Sport, Arts and Culture, Police, and Safety and Security.
Mthethwa’s journey in the National Executive was preceded by a lifetime of political engagement and leadership.
“On behalf of the government and the nation, President Ramaphosa extends his heartfelt condolences to Ambassador Mthethwa’s wife, Ms. Philisiwe Buthelezi, as well as to the extended Mthethwa and Buthelezi families,” stated Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President.
“The President underscores the nation’s gratitude for the diverse roles in which Ambassador Mthethwa significantly contributed to the country.
“The Special Official Funeral Category 2, as declared by President Ramaphosa, will include ceremonial elements conducted by the South African Police Service.
“Additionally, the President has instructed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast starting tomorrow morning, Thursday, 9 October 2025, until the evening of the funeral on Sunday, 12 October.”
In the meantime, President Ramaphosa has designated Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga to act as the President of the Republic of South Africa.
Both President Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile are currently away.
This appointment is in accordance with Section 90(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which allows for the delegation of Presidential powers when both the President and Deputy President are unavailable to fulfill their duties.
President Ramaphosa is currently on an official visit to Ireland today, Wednesday, 8 October 2025, after which he will participate in the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium, on Thursday, 9 October 2025.
Deputy President Mashatile is engaged in a Working Visit in South Sudan.
“During this period, Minister Motshekga will serve in the capacity of Acting President of the Republic of South Africa,” Magwenya stated.
