PARIS, France – South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, has been found dead in Paris, just hours after being reported missing on Monday evening.
French media have reported that the 58-year-old diplomat’s body was discovered outside a luxury hotel in the French capitol. Initial reports suggest that Mthethwa fell from the 22nd floor of the hotel, though French authorities have not yet officially confirmed the exact circumstances surrounding his death.
The incident has prompted investigations by both French and South African authorities. French law enforcement had been conducting an urgent search after Mthethwa was reported missing, with concerns raised about a possible suicide.
At the time of reporting, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) had not issued an official statement. Further details are expected as investigations continue.
Mthethwa was a veteran politician with a career spanning over three decades in South African politics. He was appointed as South Africa’s Ambassador to France earlier in 2025, marking a new chapter after more than two decades in Parliament and various ministerial positions.
Cabinet Positions:
- Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture (2019-2023)
- Minister of Arts and Culture (2014-2019)
- Minister of Police (2008-2014)
- Minister of Safety and Security (2008)
Mthethwa was a prominent figure within the African National Congress (ANC), serving on the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC) between 2007 and 2022. These positions placed him at the heart of the ANC’s decision-making structures, with the NEC being the party’s highest decision-making body between conferences, and the NWC responsible for the party’s day-to-day operations.
He represented the ANC in South Africa’s National Assembly from 2002 to 2023, a tenure of over 21 years.
Born on 23 January 1967 in KwaZulu-Natal, Mthethwa’s political involvement began in the critical period of South Africa’s transition to democracy. He was elected as the first Branch Secretary of the ANC in Klaarwater, KZN, in 1990 – the same year the ANC was unbanned. He remained an active member of the King Dingiswayo branch of the ANC in his home province.
The news of Mthethwa’s death has sent shockwaves through South African political circles, coming at a time when he was representing the country’s interests in one of its key diplomatic posts in Europe.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available from official sources.
ALSO READ: Los ons monument uit!
