Family Expresses Frustration Over Communication of Nathi Mthethwa's Death
The family of former South African minister Nathi Mthethwa has voiced their frustration regarding the manner in which news of his death was communicated. The family learned of the passing of the former minister of police and sport, arts, and culture, largely through social media and television reports. Mthethwa was serving as South Africa's ambassador to France at the time of his death in Paris.
Family's Perspective on Communication
Speaking to SABC News, Khulekani Mthethwa, the brother and family spokesperson, stated that the family did not receive communication "in a correct and respectable way." He explained that they first learned about Mthethwa's disappearance and subsequent discovery through other relatives, highlighting the lack of direct contact from official channels. The family expected better communication from the African National Congress (ANC), the party his brother had served for most of his life.
Details Surrounding Mthethwa's Death
Mthethwa's death followed reports in French media suggesting he had fallen from a building in Paris on Monday. His disappearance was reported on Tuesday morning, with French reports indicating he went missing around 3 PM on Monday. His body was discovered on Tuesday morning, and his phone was last traced near the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
ANC's Expected Role and Response
The family expected the ANC to provide them with details about the circumstances of Mthethwa's death before releasing information to the media. Khulekani expressed disappointment in receiving the news from "other people, as if he wasn’t family." The family awaits communication from the ANC and the government regarding the repatriation of Mthethwa's body to South Africa for funeral arrangements. He also expressed that the ANC should have reached out to them directly to update them on what happened.
Mthethwa's Career and Diplomatic Role
Nathi Mthethwa was appointed ambassador to France in December 2023, tasked with strengthening ties between the two nations. Prior to his diplomatic assignment, he served as minister of police and later as minister of sports, arts, and culture under former president Jacob Zuma and President Cyril Ramaphosa. His long service within the ANC amplified the family's expectation of better communication from the party.
