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- Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa is being laid to rest in KwaMbonambi near eMpangeni, KwaZulu-Natal.
- It is believed that he died by suicide in Paris.
- Deputy President Paul Mashatile hailed Mthethwa’s style of leadership.
When ambassador Nathi Mthethwa was appointed to his diplomatic post in France, he didn’t say, “No, I want to be a minister.”
These are the words Deputy President Paul Mashatile used to describe the late ambassador Nathi Mthethwa’s leadership-servant style.
Mashatile was speaking to reporters before the start of the Category 2 state funeral service near eMpangeni.
Mashatile said: “When Nathi was appointed as ambassador, he didn’t say, ‘No, I want to be a minister’. He took the opportunity with both hands and did very well.”
Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the funeral service of the late Ambassador Nkosinathi Mthethwa.
Mashatile said the international investment conference he held earlier this year was quietly organised by Mthethwa.
Meanwhile, villagers, politicians, bodyguards, members of the Shembe church and other mourners trickled into the Siyabonga Sangweni soccer stadium in KwaMbonambi to say their final goodbyes to Mthethwa.
READ | Nathi Mthethwa’s body arrives at his homestead as ‘reality strikes’ family
The lily-white synthetic flowers and white entrance brightened the solemn event, which was dominated by black tents, mourners clad in black and a sea of seats robed in black.
The top brass of the ANC, including secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, his deputy Nomvula Mokonyane, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Ronald Lamola, Lindiwe Zulu and suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, are among those attending Mthethwa’s funeral.
ANCWL members ululated whenever President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mashatile walked in and out of the venue with their more than 20 bodyguards.
The Special Official Funeral Service for the late Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa takes place at Dondotha Stadium, KwaMbonambi in KwaZulu-Natal this morning.
Ambassador Mthethwa served as South Africa’s Head of Mission in Paris, France, before passing away in the…
Two huge photographs of Mthethwa grabbed mourners’ attention as they entered the tents.
Senior policemen carried the coffin into the venue followed by Ramaphosa, Mthethwa’s widow, Philisiwe Buthelezi, and the rest of the Mthethwa family.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli will make the welcoming remarks at the funeral.
Procession underway for the late Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa at Dondotha Stadium.
Other speakers include Mthethwa’s friend, Malusi Gigaba and Sfiso Buthelezi, who will speak on behalf of Philisiwe’s family. Nolitha Fakude will read the farewell message on behalf of Mthethwa’s wife, and Ramaphosa will deliver the eulogy.
