South African Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, Dies in Paris Hotel Fall as French Police Launch Investigation

Paris, France – South Africa is mourning the sudden passing of its Ambassador to France and former Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, who died after falling from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris. French authorities have opened an investigation into the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, which has left the diplomatic and political community in shock.

According to reports, Ambassador Mthethwa was reported missing on Monday by his wife, who told French police she had received a “worrying message” from him earlier in the evening. Hours later, investigators discovered that a secured hotel window had been forced open in the room he had reserved on the 22nd floor. His last phone activity was traced to Monday afternoon.

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French Investigation Underway

The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that an inquiry has been opened to determine what led to the incident. French media noted that the disappearance was reported by his wife before his death was discovered. Authorities are now piecing together the ambassador’s final hours, including his decision to check into the Hyatt Regency and his activities in the days prior.

Just two days before his death, Mthethwa had attended the commemoration of the Battle of Deville, one of his last public appearances in his diplomatic role. Investigators are examining whether his fall was accidental, intentional, or linked to other circumstances.

South Africa Reacts with Shock and Grief

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed his passing with “deep sorrow and profound regret,” describing Mthethwa as a “distinguished servant of the nation.”

DIRCO Minister Ronald Lamola said:

“I have no doubt that his passing is not only a national loss but is also felt within the international diplomatic community.”

The South African government extended heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, colleagues, and friends during what it called a period of “immense grief.”

A Distinguished Career of Service

Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, born on 23 January 1967, was a long-serving politician, diplomat, and activist with a career spanning four decades.

• He served in Parliament from 2002 to 2023, and in the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) from 2007 to 2022.
• He held ministerial roles including Minister of Safety and Security (2008–2009), Minister of Police (2009–2014), and Minister of Arts and Culture (2014–2019).
• From 2019 to 2023, he was South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, overseeing heritage projects and the country’s global sports diplomacy.
• In December 2023, he was appointed South Africa’s Ambassador to France, tasked with strengthening bilateral ties with Paris.

Mthethwa was also a board member of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee, playing a key role in South Africa’s successful hosting of the global event.

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Activism and Early Life

Mthethwa’s political career was rooted in youth activism in KwaZulu-Natal. From joining the Klaarwater Youth Organisation at age 15 to becoming a shop steward for the Food and Allied Workers Union, he rose through the ranks of the ANC Youth League, eventually joining uMkhonto we Sizwe during the anti-apartheid struggle.

He was arrested during the apartheid regime’s state of emergency in 1989 but continued his activism, later serving in various leadership roles within the ANC and COSATU.

Remembered as a Patriot and Diplomat

DIRCO’s statement highlighted his “lifelong commitment to public duty,” both within the ANC and in government. His death has been described as a “stunning loss to the diplomatic community in Paris”, with tributes pouring in from French officials and fellow diplomats.

The Road Ahead

French police continue to investigate the circumstances of his fall, focusing on the forced-open hotel window, his last phone use, and the contents of the final message to his wife. The South African government has pledged to remain in close contact with French authorities to ensure a transparent investigation.

Ambassador Mthethwa is survived by his wife and children.

“We honor his legacy of unwavering patriotism and service to our nation,” DIRCO concluded.