Nathi Mthethwa: A life dedicated to activism and public service

At the funeral of former Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa yesterday, President Cyril Ramaphosa described him as a remarkable leader who had been committed to activism, public service, and promoted social cohesion through culture and heritage.

Thousands of mourners gathered at the Siyabonga Sangweni Stadium in KwaMbonambi to pay their final respects to South Africa's Ambassador to France, who died in Paris last week.

The 58-year-old was laid to rest with a special official funeral category 2, attended by senior government officials and ANC leaders, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, suspended Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, and ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, among others.

Mthethwa died after reportedly falling from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris. French authorities have since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Speaking at the funeral, President Ramaphosa described Mthethwa as “a remarkable leader" and also praised his commitment to activism.

"We gather here today, in mourning and in gratitude, to honour the life of a remarkable leader, someone whose courage, conviction and compassion helped steer our nation toward freedom and justice," Ramaphosa said.

"Comrade Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa has been taken away from us, yet in the echoes of his deeds, in the memories we share of him, and in the lives he touched, his spirit endures, as does the many lessons we must learn from his illustrious life. The man we are laying to rest today was an unapologetic activist".

The President also acknowledged the sacrifices made by Mthethwa’s family.

Mthethwa’s wife, Philisiwe Buthelezi Mthethwa, said their 17 years of marriage were filled with love and unwavering support: "You were my king, my protector, my joy. In your eyes, I saw the constellations. In your embrace, I felt eternity".

"And now, with one cruel stroke, death has stolen you away, tearing the fabric of our bliss, leaving me with silence where there was once melody. You were a lion of a struggle, fearless and unyielding, carrying the hope of freedom on your shoulders".

While his son, Mkhululi Mthethwa, who also spoke on behalf of his siblings, remembered his father as much more than just a parent, calling him as a source of wisdom and a pillar of strength.

"How can I possibly try to articulate your deeds or the experience of being born of a giant? My father was a man of virtue, integrity, courage, and brute honesty. As your children, we know and understand that you did all you could and all that you saw fit to prepare us for the reality".

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli also paid tribute to Mthethwa, highlighting his lifelong dedication to public service and his role as a unifying figure within the province.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus