South Africa owes 'debt of gratitude' to late Ambassador Mthethwa, says minister Ronald Lamola

The Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), Ronald Lamola, says the country owes the late ambassador to France, Emmanuel Nkosinathi 'Nathi' Mthethwa, a debt of gratitude for his service and devotion. 

Lamola spoke at a memorial service of Mthethwa held at the Dirco Conference Centre in Pretoria on Friday. 

Mthethwa, 58, died after falling from a 22nd-floor hotel room in Paris last week. French officials are examining the circumstances of his death.

Speaking at the memorial service, Lamola said one of Mthethwa’s last acts of quiet magic was coordinating the South Africa Investment Conference in Paris, led by deputy president Paul Mashatile in May this year.

“Since its inception in 2018, this investment forum has seen French companies commit over R70 billion in sectors such as renewable energy generation, manufacturing, retail, agribusiness, and services,” he said.

Lamola said Mthethwa was able to deepen the bond between the two nations, which opened new paths for cooperation and understanding through skill, patience, and conviction.

“Among the discussions he really enjoyed with France was the interaction we had with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, on Western Sahara, as our meeting took place shortly after France had recognised the authority of Morocco over Western Sahara. Here, we reiterated our position to France on our support for the quest for self-determination of Western Sahara.

“For his service and devotion, we owe him a great debt of gratitude,” Lamola said. 

The former Minister of Finance and now member of parliament, Dr Malusi Gigaba, described Mthethwa as a humble man who loved his family and friends. His devotion to friends and family was profound. 

“I was privileged to be his best man and part of his lobola negotiators and see the love he shared with his wife and family,” he said.

Gigaba said Mthethwa was a humble man who loved African Jazz, soccer, and laughter. He described him as an intellect who loved to debate. 

“He was a fearless and formidable debater and organic intellectual whose clarity of thought made him indispensable to our movement and society,” Gigaba said.

Additionally, he stated that the country lost more than a leader. “We have lost an intellectual, a thinker, and a human being who gave his all.”

Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma also described Mthethwa as a humble man who came from humble beginnings. 

She said a lesson that can be learned from his journey is that where you come from does not matter, but what you choose to do matters. “You can reach any level,” she said. 

He said Mthethwa was brave as he was an activist in KwaZulu-Natal during dangerous and difficult times. She said he had revolutionary discipline.

Mthethwa’s body arrived on Friday morning from France, and his funeral will be on Sunday. 

nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za