President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Ambassador to France and former Minister Nathi Mthethwa will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 at KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday, 12 October.

Ambassador Mthethwa, who served as South Africa’s Head of Mission in Paris, passed away in the French capital on 30 September 2025, at the age of 58.

He was appointed as Ambassador to France in December 2023, after serving in Cabinet for 15 years in the portfolios of Sport, Arts and Culture; Arts and Culture; Police, and Safety and Security.

The Presidency, in a statement, says his tenure in the National Executive followed a lifetime of political involvement and leadership.

“On behalf of the government and the nation, President Ramaphosa reiterates his deepest condolences to Ambassador Mthethwa’s wife, Ms Philisiwe Buthelezi, and the extended Mthethwa and Buthelezi families.”

The President has assured the families of the “nation’s appreciation for the diverse roles in which Ambassador Mthethwa served the country.”

The Special Official Funeral Category 2 declared by President Ramaphosa will entail ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service.

The President has also directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast from Thursday morning, 9 October, until the evening of the funeral on Sunday.

It comes as one member of the SAPS is expected to meet with French Authorities this week to get insight into the probe into the death of Mthethwa.

National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola confirmed that a SAPS delegation, now only comprising one seasoned officer, left for France on Tuesday.

Masemola noted that this is to receive a first-hand report on the matter, and not to investigate. It was previously reported that Mthethwa died by suicide.

Mthethwa’s body is expected to be repatriated by the end of the week.