Former State Security Minister Ayanda Dlodlo has been appointed as South Africa’s ambassador-designate to France, taking over the diplomatic post previously held by the late Nathi Mthethwa.
Dlodlo’s appointment comes ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s working visit to France later this week, where he is expected to hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron aimed at strengthening political and economic ties between the two nations.
Dlodlo, 63, succeeds Mthethwa, 58, who died after falling from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris on October 2, 2025.
AFP previously reported that Ambassador Mthethwa had reserved a room on the 22nd floor, and its secured window had been forced open with a pair of scissors found at the scene.
French investigators stated that they were sure that his death was a result of a suicide, and they didn’t’ find any sings of is no foul play.
“Initial investigations suggest that this could have been a deliberate act, without the intervention of a third party,” said Prosecutor Laure Beccuau at the time.
However, his family has rejected the suicide claims, and circumstances surrounding his death.
Mthethwa was Minister of Arts and Culture from 2014 to 2023 and prior to that, he served as Minister of Police from 2008 to 2014.
Dlodlo, who has also held the portfolios of Public Service and Administration and State Security, brings extensive government and diplomatic experience to her new role.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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