Late Nathi Mthethwa praised as a dedicated public servant and patriot

Some political parties have paid tribute to Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa, calling him a dedicated public servant and a patriot. 

Mthethwa died at a hotel in Paris on Tuesday, aged 58.

At the time of his death, he had been working as South Africa’s ambassador to France for about 17 months.

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As a young man, Mthethwa received military training from the Transkei Defence Force. 

He was being prepared for the uMkhonto weSizwe’s armed revolution against the apartheid government, which never arrived. 

Since the turn of democracy, Mthethwa spent most of it in the public service, serving as minister for 15 years in three different portfolios. 

The African National Congress (ANC) said his life had been one of both struggle and service. 

Meanwhile, the United Democratic Front (UDF) praised his wisdom and the professionalism he brought to his diplomatic career.