President Cyril Ramaphosa thanked Philisiwe for using her French skills to help the family bring Nathi’s body home.
· Nathi Mthethwa’s coffin was chosen by his wife and inspired by French leader Napoleon Bonaparte, as a final honour.
The family of Nathi Mthethwa says they could not have brought him home from France without the help of his wife, Philisiwe Buthelezi Mthethwa.
The former deputy minister died in France, and his family struggled to communicate with French officials. But Philisiwe stepped in and used her knowledge of the French language to make sure his body was brought back to South Africa.
His funeral was held on Sunday at Siyabonga Sangweni Sports Complex in Dondotha, just outside eMpangeni in KwaZulu-Natal.
President Cyril Ramaphosa was one of the speakers. He thanked Philisiwe for her powerful role during the family’s most painful time.
“We truly thank Philisiwe for her role in making sure that the body of Nathi Mthethwa was finally brought home,” said Ramaphosa.
“Her understanding of French played a vital role in making sure the process went smoothly.”
Ramaphosa said Nathi would be remembered as someone who stood up for the rights of artists and helped push for laws that protect performers from being exploited.
“He helped build South Africa’s creative economy,” said the president.
Nathi’s uncle, Musakawupheli Mthethwa, also thanked Philisiwe.
“If it wasn’t for our makoti, we wouldn’t have been able to bring Nathi home. We would not have our blood with us. We really appreciate her,” he said.
The coffin used to bury Nathi was inspired by French military leader Napoleon Bonaparte. It was personally chosen by Philisiwe as a special tribute.
The service followed the traditions of the Shembe Church. Nathi was buried next to his father, and his body was wrapped in a cattle skin as per church custom.
His brother-in-law, Dr Sifiso Buthelezi, who is a former deputy minister of finance, said Philisiwe’s command of French helped the family speak to officials in Paris and complete all the required documents.
Mthethwa was from the Phoqa house, one of the many houses in the Mthethwa royal family. His uncle described him as a man who united the family with his deep love for relatives.
