The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has confirmed the death of Nathi Mthethwa, South Africa’s ambassador to France.
Mthethwa, a 58-year-old former cabinet minister, was reported missing on Monday. According to French media outlet Le Parisien, his wife alerted authorities after receiving a troubling message from him that evening.
Later reports confirmed that Mthethwa died after allegedly falling from the 22nd floor of a Paris hotel. The Paris Prosecutor’s Office has since launched an investigation into the circumstances of his death.
Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri described Mthethwa as “a distinguished servant of the nation” whose career was marked by decades of public service. He previously served as Minister of Police and later as Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture.
“His lifelong commitment to public duty was further exemplified by his longstanding contribution to the African National Congress through its highest decision-making structures,” Phiri said.
Mthethwa was appointed ambassador to France in December 2023, with a mandate to strengthen South Africa’s partnership and bilateral ties with France.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola expressed his condolences, saying: “I do not doubt that his passing is not only a national loss but also felt within the international diplomatic community.”
