KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli pays tribute to late Ambassador Mthethwa

KWAZULU-NATAL Premier Thami Ntuli has described the late Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, as a disciplined, humble, and visionary leader.

Ntuli, together with Members of the Provincial Executive Council, expressed their sadness following Mthethwa’s untimely passing. The Premier was expected to lead Members of the Provincial Executive Council on a visit to the family of the Ambassador on Wednesday.

In a statement, Ntuli said Mthethwa was a seasoned public servant and a distinguished leader who devoted his life to the service of the people of South Africa. He said his passing marks the loss of a patriot who contributed immensely to the democratic project and the building of the South African nation across multiple spheres of government.

Ntuli said in a statement: “Mthethwa’s political and leadership journey was rooted in the struggle for liberation and later in the transformation of democratic governance. He served as Minister of Police, where he led several reforms to strengthen policing and community safety, and later as Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, where he worked tirelessly to advance South Africa’s creative industries, cultural preservation, and social cohesion.

“In his most recent role as South Africa’s Ambassador to France, he championed South Africa’s diplomatic and economic interests abroad, strengthening bilateral relations and promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Mthethwa family, friends, and colleagues in the diplomatic corps,” Ntuli concluded.

THE MERCURY