By Joe Udo
PARIS (CONVERSEER) – South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, has been found dead in Paris, according to reports in French media on Tuesday.
Mthethwa’s body was discovered at the foot of the Hyatt Regency hotel, a high-rise tower in Porte Maillot, in the French capital’s 17th arrondissement. Le Parisien and Le Figaro reported that the diplomat is believed to have jumped from the 22nd floor of the hotel at around 1 pm on Tuesday.
Circumstances surrounding his death
The ambassador had been missing since Monday afternoon. His wife raised concerns after receiving a troubling text message from him, prompting a search. According to Le Parisien, his phone was traced to the Bois de Boulogne, but he remained unaccounted for until his body was discovered.
Paris Police and the management of the Hyatt have so far declined to comment. Repeated calls to the South African Embassy in Paris also went unanswered.
A spokesperson for South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation said they were “aware of unfortunate reports pertaining to Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa” and would issue a formal statement once official confirmation is available.
Mthethwa’s last public appearance was on Saturday, when he attended the 109th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Delville Wood in Longueval, Department de la Somme.
Distinguished political career
Ambassador Mthethwa was appointed South Africa’s Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO in March 2024, after a long political and ministerial career.
An anti-apartheid activist, he joined the ANC Youth League in 1990 and was elected to its National Executive Committee in 1994, serving as secretary until 2001.
He entered parliament in 2002 and became ANC Chief Whip in 2008. Between 2008 and 2023, he held several ministerial roles, including Minister of Arts and Culture, later adding sports to his portfolio between 2019 and 2023.
Mthethwa, who played a central role in South Africa’s cultural and sporting policies during his tenure, was regarded as a committed public servant with over three decades of political engagement.
