The South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) has reacted with shock at the passing of the Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa, South African ambassador to France. News of the former Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture’s death in Paris was received on Tuesday.
“To say that we are stunned and saddened is an understatement,” said president of SASCOC, Barry Hendricks. “We came to accept Nathi as one of the SASCOC and Team SA family. It feels like it was yesterday when he welcomed our 2024 Team SA Olympians and
Paralympians to Paris at the athletes’ village.
“We walked a long and memorable road with Ambassador Mthethwa. He was our Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture when we sent an Olympic and Paralympic team to the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 as well, and over his tenure he was a familiar, and popular, personality
within our environment.
“I wish to, on behalf of everyone at SASCOC and Team SA, extend heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. It’s all very hard to process right now. He will be profoundly missed.”
In addressing Team SA’s athletes in Paris last year, Ambassador Mthethwa had said: “Welcome to the wonderful city of Paris. Congratulations to each and every one of you and we look forward to you showcasing your talents. Go out there and do your best – and most importantly, have fun”.
In adding her tribute, the Chief Executive Officer of SASCOC, Ms Nozipho Jafta said: “We can still see him, feel him, in the room. Ambassador Mthethwa had a presence and a way with people. He was part of Team SA and inspired our athletes to do their best. He made us feel welcome and supported us wherever we went in the world. It’s hard to believe that we are speaking about him in the past tense.”
