A Painful Homecoming: Family Brings Nathi Mthethwa’s Spirit and Remains Back to South Africa

A Painful Homecoming for the Mthethwa Family

The remains of former South African ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday morning, marking the start of a deeply personal and public farewell. From the airport, his body was taken to his family home in KwaZulu-Natal, where preparations are underway for his Special Official Funeral.

Mthethwa, a former Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, died in Paris after falling from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. He was 58. While French authorities are still investigating the circumstances of his death, his family has already begun the cultural process of closure.

A Sacred Ritual Far From Home

Before his remains were flown back, Mthethwa’s family travelled to the Paris hotel room where he is believed to have spent his final moments. In line with Zulu tradition, they held a ritual to “fetch his spirit”, a practice meant to reunite his essence with his family before burial.

His son, Mkhululi, described the experience as both heartbreaking and necessary.

“We can’t lay him to rest without going through this process. It’s very crucial and sacred to our people,” he said.

He explained that being in that room, seeing the space where his father took his last breath was emotionally overwhelming but helped the family face the reality of his passing.

A Divided Public Reacts

While many public figures have shared messages of condolence, the wider public response has not been universally sympathetic. Some South Africans have revisited past allegations of corruption and criticised the decision to grant him state honours.

At a memorial gathering in Pinetown, former police minister Bheki Cele lashed out at those expressing cynicism or hostility following Mthethwa’s death.

“South Africans, you are Sodom and Gomorrah… You have no hearts nor consciences,” he said, visibly angered by online commentary.

The family has rejected accusations tied to his political past and has appealed for sensitivity during their time of mourning.

A Funeral With National Recognition

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Official Funeral (Category 2), a classification reserved for prominent public servants. The funeral will take place on Sunday in KwaMthethwa, KwaZulu-Natal.

Ahead of that, an official memorial service will be held on Friday in Pretoria, where dignitaries, former colleagues and government officials are expected to pay tribute. ANC deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane is scheduled to speak.

The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has already hosted a memorial in Pinetown, reflecting Mthethwa’s long-standing influence within the party.

A Complex Legacy and an Unfinished Story

Mthethwa held several high-profile positions in government over the years and was a key figure in the arts and sports sectors before taking up his diplomatic post in France. While his supporters credit him with strengthening South Africa’s cultural footprint abroad, critics continue to scrutinise his political record.

His death has sparked difficult conversations about how South Africa mourns leaders with complicated legacies and whether dignity in death should outweigh public dissatisfaction.

For his family, however, the focus is on honouring tradition, completing the rituals, and laying him to rest in the place he called home.

As one family member put it at the airport, “We brought him back the right way. Now we can begin to say goodbye.”

{Source: IOL}

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