NATIONAL NEWS - The KZN government will play a central role in preparations for the funeral of former police minister Nathi Mthethwa, who died in France after falling from the 22nd floor of a Paris hotel.
According to The Witness, the involvement of the KZN government in Mthethwa’s funeral arrangements followed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to grant the former minister a Category 2 State Funeral.
Provincial task team established
Addressing the media at Mthethwa’s kwaMbonambi home outside Richards Bay in northern KZN, Premier Thami Ntuli confirmed that the provincial government has been tasked with co-ordinating the funeral.
“As a result, there is now a task team composed of the national government, the KZN government and other spheres of government that is now working on the preparations for former minister Mthethwa’s funeral,” he said.
Ntuli, who led a KZN Cabinet delegation during a visit to Mthethwa’s kwaMbonambi home yesterday, described the former minister as a patriot who dedicated his life to serving the country.
“He served our country diligently and with humility. We are happy to report that the president has declared his funeral a state funeral.
“He has made an immense contribution in the lives of the people of this country as he served the government in various portfolios,” he said.
Long-serving public servant
At the time of his death, Mthethwa — who had been a member of the national Cabinet for 15 years — was serving as South Africa’s ambassador to France.
Ramaphosa described Mthethwa as a dedicated servant of the people.
“Ambassador Mthethwa served South Africa with distinction and integrity. From his years in government to his recent diplomatic posting in Paris, he remained a steadfast servant of the people, dedicated to advancing our nation’s interests both at home and abroad,” he said.
Funeral set for Sunday
While French authorities are yet to release a full report on the cause of Mthethwa’s death, a preliminary probe has concluded that it was likely the former minister took his own life.
Ramaphosa confirmed that Mthethwa’s funeral will be held at kwaMbonambi on Sunday.
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