Ambassador Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa

Obituary of Ambassador Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa

(23 January 1967 – 30 September 2025)

A son is born

Across the long arc of human history, despots have always been haunted by the ominous certainty that with each passing hour, somewhere in their dominion, in the occupied territory, a freedom fighter is born, and that the hour of reckoning for injustice draws ever closer.

History whispers this eternal truth, that no tyranny endures unchallenged, and for this reason, on 23 January 1967 in Clermont, a township outside Durban, a birth was registered and racist hearts had reason to tremble – Emmanuel Nkosinathi Mthethwa had come into the world with both fists clenched in a defiant act of double Amandla.

This was the world into which Nathi Mthethwa arrived, a world marked by the brutality and legacy of dispossession, genocide and dehumanisation. A year earlier, in 1966, the United Nations General Assembly had declared apartheid a crime against humanity through resolution 2202 A (XXI).

A freedom fighter rises

The son of Mrs Nurse and Mr Mbongeni Jetros Mthethwa, both deceased, Nathi Mthethwa was the fifth among four brothers and three sisters. He grew up in the Durban suburb of Klaarwater and in KwaMthethwa on the outskirts of KwaMbonambi.

Mthethwa became active in the students’ resistance movement as a teenager, joining the Klaarwater Youth Organisation in 1982 and serving as its chairperson from 1987 to 1989.

In 1986 while in the employ of Just Juice in Pinetown, he became a shop steward of the Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU. At that time, he worked side by side with women whose hands and bodies had been severely scarred by chemical exposure from cleaning industrial containers. Nathi Mthethwa brought these women workers into FAWU’s fold, standing with them against exploitation, unsafe working conditions and employer arrogance.

It was at Just Juice that he successfully led the struggle for recognition of the union FAWU, building majority membership and forming the factory steering committee. When the company retaliated by victimising him and engineering his dismissal, FAWU fought a long and bitter battle. With the assistance of progressive lawyers and after 18 months of struggle, Mthethwa and FAWU won the case. The victory, however was not simply legal, it was moral; the employer had failed to crush the spirit of worker organization and solidarity.

Rather than return to a workplace that was determined to silence him, Mthethwa the Young Lion chose instead to dedicate his life to full-time activism. From his home in Clermont, Durban, he immersed himself in the youth movement while retaining networks in the organised labour. In this way he became part of the generation that combined shop-floor struggles with the energy of the youth movement, ensuring that the fight for living wages and safe workplaces converged with the broader struggle for national liberation. Together with millions across the country, they surged forward with courage, indomitable and ungovernable!

His trade union and youth activism brought him into contact with the banned African National Congress (ANC), when he was recruited to undertake underground work for the ANC’s Operation Vula between 1988 and 1989. Operation Vula, also known as Operation Vulindlela, isiXhosa for ‘Open the Road’, was a clandestine domestic programme of the ANC during the final years of Apartheid in South Africa. Initiated in 1986 at the ANC headquarters in Lusaka, Zambia, and launched in South Africa in 1988, its operatives infiltrated weapons and banned ANC leaders into the country, to establish an underground network linking domestic activist structures with the ANC in exile.

After he was detained during the 1989 state of emergency, he was elected chairperson of the Southern Natal branch of the South African Youth Congress and as chairperson of the Southern Natal Unemployed Workers’ Union, an initiative of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) between 1989 and 1990.

After the ANC was unbanned in February 1990, he became Regional Administrative Secretary of the Southern Natal African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) from 1990 to 1991. Between 1991 and 1994 he became the Regional Secretary of the Southern Natal ANCYL. He was elected to the NEC of the ANCYL, serving in its NWC as Secretary for Organization, from 1994 to 1996. Between 1986 and 1988 he was organiser for the South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers’ Union (SACCAWU). During the same period he was re-elected to the NEC of the ANCYL. His subsequent re-election into the NEC of the ANCYL from 1998 to 2001 saw him occupy a new role as Head of Organisational Development, which incorporated political education and organising functions. He was deployed into the ANC National Organising team during the period 2001 to 2002.

By many accounts, he distinguished himself with aplomb in carrying out his various activist and leadership roles through student, youth, community, labour and underground structures in the prosecution of the liberation struggle.

He was vigorous and active during the turbulent years of KwaZulu-Natal’s political violence. A gallant and indefatigable freedom fighter, he dedicated himself to the quest for justice and democracy, serving in the frontlines despite the mortal danger of his calling. He belonged to that generation for whom freedom was not an abstract ideal but a daily discipline of sacrifice, courage and service. His faithfulness and commitment to the ANC was total, principled and above reproach.

A true democrat, he believed in the contestation of ideas and lamented the erosion of unity in the movement, believing that diversity of thought need not fracture a common purpose, but rather strengthen it when anchored in shared values and mutual respect.

He saw the unfulfilled decolonisation of Western Sahara — the last colony on the African continent — together with the continued illegal occupation of Palestine and the ongoing genocide of its people, as a grave indictment of the organs of international governance, whose moral authority and political will have eroded the very foundations of the rules-based international order.

His educational qualifications across various disciplines, prepared him for a vocation as a leader in the national sphere. Mr Mthethwa held a Diploma in Community Development from the University of Natal, an Executive Preparatory Programme Certificate in Mining Engineering from the University of Johannesburg and a Certificate in Leadership Communication from Rhodes University.

A public representative steps forward

Having risen through the ranks, he served the National Assembly in 2002 to 2023 as a Member of Parliament. Mr Mthethwa served as Chairperson of the Minerals and Energy Portfolio Committee from 2004 to 2008.

Following the ANC’s 52nd National Conference in December 2007, he was elected to the organisation’s National Executive Committee and National Working Committee, on which he served continuously until December 2022. In January 2008, the ANC installed him as Chief Whip of the Majority Party in the National Assembly. He held that position until he ascended to the cabinet in September 2008.

A leader rises to the citadel

Appointed by then President Kgalema Motlanthe as Minister of Safety and Security, he continued in the same portfolio, later renamed Minister of Police, in the first-term cabinet of President Jacob Zuma from 2008 to 2014. He also served on the Board of Directors of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee.

He became Minister of Arts and Culture in May 2014 and Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture from 2019 to 2023, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s amalgamation of the Sport with Arts and Culture into a unitary entity at the start of the Sixth Administration.

An avid reader and writer, a theatre enthusiast and a keen footballer in his younger years, he brought passion, vigour and commitment to his 9-year tenure as the nation’s torchbearer, determined to leave a legacy of meaningful milestones in the portfolio.

An indelible legacy across the arts and sports

Reflecting on his deployment to the Sport, Arts and Culture, in his own words he stated: “For generations, our creative gems in the realms of the creative, visual and performing arts, have delighted and dazzled audiences far and wide as trailblazers in literature, film, song, crafts, fashion, dance and much more, inspiriting many across the world as they embraced and immersed in our creative spirit. For this reason, many of our artists have ascended podiums as the world applauded and recognised our unique and exceptional mastery. In pageants where brains and beauty are weighed, here too we have shared our sublime grace with the world. As gladiators, our athletes have brought home honour and glory across the sporting codes because however modest our mien, the quest for brilliance defines our mettle. Whatever the odds, we are born of warrior kings and queens, and courage courses through our nation’s veins”.

Mzansi Golden Economy

The Mzansi Golden Economy became one of the flagship projects aimed at developing and promoting the nation’s arts, culture and heritage. From 2011 to 2023, the programme supported more than 30 000 creatives across the spectrum to pursue their craft. Among its pillars were the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO, established in 2015 as a research arm that provides accurate data on cultural and creative sectors by producing evidence-based substance for strategic planning and implementation. As a veritable source of reference, SACO data is extensively relied upon internationally up to the level of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD), among others, in fostering cultural understanding, universal harmony and mutual respect among the peoples of the world.

Cultural diplomacy

The Cultural Diplomacy Programme was instrumental for cultural tourism exchange, supporting artists in the promotion of South Africa’s cultural goods and services. Grassroots initiatives such as Public Arts forums and the Art Bank, enabled artists to take their creativity to the people through interactive public platforms such as the Cape Jazz Festival, MACUFE, Mahika Mahikeng, Mapungubwe, Buyelekhaya, Joy of Jazz and various others, milestones that help stimulate local tourism, preferential procurement, community development and social cohesion.

African integration

To deepen the integration of the Continent and the diaspora, as Minister he continued to lead the celebration of our Africanness in true Pan-African spirit, following the declaration by Cabinet from 2015 of May as African Month, marked to remember the founding in 1963 of the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union. Consequently, one of his key programmes was the annual Festival of Ideas, in partnership with our Continent’s public intellectuals, who included literary legends such as Ben Okri, Wole Soyinka, Ngugi wa Thiong’o and Mireille Fanon Mendès. In 2018 the AU saw value in this programme and adopted it as its flagship programme commending South Africa for the initiative.

Community Arts Centres

To negate Apartheid spatial development, 331 Community Arts Centres that previously did not exist in grassroots communities, were enabled in just 3 years nationally. These are feeders to larger and established playhouses such as the State Theatre, Market Theatre, Playhouse and the Artscape Theatre Centre.

Promoting African Languages
Colonialism sought to weaken and denigrate African languages. Support was given to language practitioners especially those who study indigenous languages. On an annual basis an average 400 students were supported to study across the country in different universities, and more students than before began completing Masters and PhD dissertations across a variety of academic fields, using African languages.

Stabilising cricket

Through decisive interventions and interactions with bodies such as the International Cricket Council, the South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) as the mother body of all national federations in the country, he provided leadership and guidance in helping to stabilise Cricket South Africa, following public concern on how the body was conducting its affairs, particularly in the areas of leadership, governance, transformation, selection of teams, among others, from various interest groups within and outside cricket. This change has helped restore public and sponsor confidence, stabilised leadership, and improved accountability.

Rugby

The Late Nathi Mthethwa’s legacy in South African rugby is marked by his visible support for the Springboks, commitment to transformation and efforts to elevate sport as a tool for unity and pride. During his tenure as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa was a prominent figure in rugby’s national narrative. He celebrated the Springboks’ 2019 World Cup victory in Japan alongside Siya Kolisi, Rassie Erasmus and other players during major media events. His presence at the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final in Paris, symbolised his enduring connection to the sport.

Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris 2024

Nathi Mthethwa played a pivotal role in supporting Team South Africa during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, using his position as Ambassador to France to foster unity, pride and visibility for South African athletes. His leadership of the Ekhaya in Paris became a cornerstone of this effort.

As South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa welcomed Team SA to Paris with warmth and encouragement, hosting athletes at the Ekhaya Hub—a cultural and hospitality centre established within the South African Embassy precinct, which served as a home-away-from-home for athletes, officials and supporters, offering a space for celebration, media engagement and cultural exchange.

Nathi Mthethwa’s presence was deeply felt throughout the Games. He personally addressed the athletes, saying: “Welcome to the wonderful city of Paris. Congratulations to each and every one of you and we look forward to you showcasing your talents. Go out there and do your best – and most importantly, have fun.” His words reflected not only diplomatic courtesy but genuine pride in the athletes’ achievements and the role of sport in nation-building. Through his stewardship of Ekhaya and his visible support for Team SA, Nathi Mthethwa reinforced the importance of sport diplomacy, cultural pride, and institutional backing for South Africa’s global sporting presence.

Above is a selection of the many projects and milestones that enthused this patriot and combatant for freedom. Through these pursuits he worked tirelessly to ensure that freedom’s promise extended beyond the ballot box, to the languages we speak, the trophies we lift, the stories we tell and the heritage we pass to our progeny. Whether by expanding support for indigenous languages, championing the Cultural and Creative Industries Master Plan, or uplifting South African literature through the South African Literary Awards, Mthethwa embodied the conviction that liberation must also be cultural, intellectual and humane.

Championing inclusive growth through diplomacy and investment
Mr Mthethwa served as South Africa’s Ambassador to France from 2024 until his passing in September 2025.

Within a short period of time, Ambassador Mthethwa conceptualised and led the implementation of an Investment and Trade Conference from the 20th to the 23rd of May 2025, hosted by the South African Embassy in France in collaboration with His Excellency Paul Mashatile, the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, who led a delegation of Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

A key highlight was Deputy President Mashatile’s bilateral discussions with His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, focussing on strengthening trade and diplomatic cooperation as well as cooperation in multilateral fora. The meetings aimed at strengthening diplomatic and trade relations. The conference attracted some of the leading corporates from across different sectors of the French economy, as well as a broad variety of South African entrepreneurs.

During the conference, the South African delegation presented an investment project book worth 40 billion dollars in the agro, rail, energy, mining, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and automotive industries. South Africa urged business delegates to partner with the government to double trade within two years by attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and financial resources while focusing on imperatives such as unemployment, poverty, inequality, climate change and transitions in the digital economy.

A lifelong friend and fellow activist has described Mr Mthethwa as an internationalist and “an ardent progressive Pan-Africanist in the conviction that South Africa’s best prospects lay in being part of a new world characterised by social justice and equity. Nyambose was thus a passionate anti-colonial and anti-imperialist revolutionary, dedicated to advancing a new course for humankind. To that extent, not only was he a passionate campaigner for such a new, better and just world order, he read extensively about Africa’s history in all its social, political and economic facets, and imbibed as many progressive ideas to that extent as possible”.

A gift of the purest gold

The 16th of February 2013, in the Parisian inspired vineyards of Franschhoek, at Alleee Bleue, Nyambose tied the knot with the love of his life, Philisiwe Buthelezi. This love story would unfold to be one for the books, they were inseparable, only to be separated by the untimely death of her Sthandwa, which is how she fondly called him. The love of his life, his wife Philisiwe, remembers him as “a nurturer, a warrior and a refuge”.

His children, Mkhululi, Mxolisi, Nombuso, Senzekile, Ayanda and Zanathi have lost not only a father but a teacher and a pillar but the many lessons he bequeathed in his lifetime, will be the compass that guards and guides them for generations to come.

Nyambose will be remembered as a gentle giant, a humble and patient listener whose ready smile was the perfect tonic of an incisive and agile mind. For him, knowledge was a communal commodity, a universal resource and a gift to be shared, to be shaped not only by the sagacious leader, but by the wisdom of the collective. He was a calm visionary who never had cause to raise his voice. His warmth came from the heart, and his magnetic personality was powered largely by his deep respect for all people.

He stood tall like a baobab, regal and dignified, the true portrait of a gallant liberator. When the drum becomes silent, its echo fills hearts and minds because his rhythm was the heartbeat of a generation that fought, dreamed, built and healed.

In Nathi Mthethwa’s hands, the drum summoned the spirit of struggle and the melody of hope. It called poets, artists and freedom fighters to create in unison. Now that his earthly rhythm has stilled, its resonance will endure in the verses of our writers, the melodies of our musicians, the triumphs of our athletes and the steady pulse of a nation committed to finding its harmony and growth. The silence he leaves behind is not an absence, but an echo deep, wide and unending, a reminder that a life devoted to service never truly fades, it reverberates through time

He is survived by his wife; Philisiwe Mthethwa, his children; Mkhululi, Mxolisi, Nombuso, Senzekile, Ayanda and Zanathi, and his siblings; Dumisile Mthethwa-Shezi, Ntombifuthi Mthethwa-Hlabisa, and Sebenzile Mthethwa-Mpanza.

May the Mthethwa and Buthelezi families be comforted by the knowledge that Nathi Mthethwa was a gift of the purest gold. We pray that God’s celestial healing may ease your sorrow, that time may dry your tears, and that Nathi Mthethwa’s spirit may shine brightly as he enters the Kingdom of Heaven.

Lala ngoxolo, Nyambose.