‘Ambassador Mthethwa was a loyal and dedicated servant’ – Ramaphosa

By Mark Ogagan

President Cyril Ramaphosa says Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa was a dedicated public servant of South Africa.

Ramaphosa was delivering the eulogy at the funeral of the late former Minister at KwaMbonambi in Kwa-Zulu Natal on Sunday.

The President recalled Nathi Mthethwa’s life of dedication to activism and loyalty to African National Congress (ANC) principles even in difficult terrains.

Ramaphosa called on ANC members to reflect on Mthethwa’s life, who was deeply pained by the party’s divisions.

The President praised Mthethwa, describing him as a thinker and teacher within the liberation movement.

“Mthethwa taught valuable lessons about courage and never lost sight of what drew him into the struggle.

“He was of a generation that came of age as our democracy was about to dawn. It was a generation of young lions that saw the end of apartheid and ushered in a new era of freedom and justice. Like our democracy, this generation was young. They were hopeful. They were full of vigour and purpose. And at that young age, they shouldered many of the burdens of building a new nation.

“The man that we are laying to rest today was an unapologetic activist, as was clearly stated in his obituary. From the earliest days of his activism, Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa refused to accept the injustice of apartheid. Faced with laws that sought to divide, to demean and to destroy, he responded not with cowardice, but with resolve,” Ramaphosa added.

Various speakers also paid their tributes to Mthethwa at the official funeral service at the Siyabonga Sangweni Sports Complex in KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal.

Earlier, African National Congress National Spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said Mthethwa had played a key role in peace negotiations in the then volatile province.

“He also played various other roles also as an underground operative at a time when very few people could be vetted to be fit for purpose. Today marks that chapter where we close one chapter and open another and the next one is about legacies; its about what the current generation of young leaders and what leaf they can take out of this life of sacrifices,” says Bhengu.

South Africa’s ambassador to Argentina Phumelele Gwala says Mthethwa was an activist who also loved theatre and sports.

“On February 16 2013, Nyambose tied the knot with the love of his life Ms Philisiwe Buthelezi-Mthethwa, who will remember him as a nurturer, warrior and refuge. His children Mkhululi, Mxolisi, Nombuso, Senzekile, Ayanda and Zinathi, have lost not only a father but a teacher, a pillar whose many lessons he bequeathed in his lifetime.”