Emmanuel Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa, South Africa’s Ambassador to France and former senior cabinet minister, has been found dead in Paris in what early reports suggest may have been a fall from his hotel room.
He was discovered on Tuesday morning (September 30, 2025) at the foot of the Hyatt Hotel in the Porte Maillot area after being reported missing by his wife the previous evening. She had received a worrying message from him, in which he expressed apologies and appeared to have suicidal thoughts.
Mthethwa, aged 58, had booked a room on the 22nd floor of the hotel. According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, the room’s secure window was found forced open. Investigators noted there were no signs of struggle, nor indications of drug or medication use in early examinations.
French authorities have opened a formal investigation into the circumstances of his death. While suicide is under consideration, no conclusive judgment has yet been reached.
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss and extended heartfelt condolences to Mthethwa’s wife, family, and the diplomatic corps.
Former ministerial portfolios held by Mthethwa include arts and culture, police, sports and culture, among others. His appointment as ambassador to France (and permanent delegate to UNESCO) was made in early 2024, tasked with strengthening bilateral relations.
