President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to the late South African Ambassador to France and Monaco, Nathi Mthethwa, remembering him as a freedom fighter and an advocate for human rights.

Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy during Mthethwa's special official funeral, Category 2, which took place at the Siyabonga Sangweni, Dondotha Stadium in his rural town of Kwambonambi, Northern KZN.

Thousands gathered to pay their last respects as friends, family, and former colleagues bid a final farewell to the late ambassador.

Speaking highly of his former colleague, Ramaphosa said Mthethwa joined the struggle at an early age, always carrying the interests of the people at heart. He added that the country has lost a courageous leader.

"He championed aspirations of our people and he did so with great humility," Ramaphosa said. "We will remember the Nathi Mthethwa who joined the underground movement barely out of childhood—a testament of a courage he possessed."

A group of dignitaries, close family, relatives, and friends are now headed to the Mthethwa homestead, where the burial ceremony will take place. By Nhlanhla Mabaso, EWN