Former State Security Minister Ayanda Dlodlo has been appointed as South Africa’s ambassador-designate to France, filling one of the country’s most significant diplomatic posts ahead of a key presidential visit to Europe, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Her appointment comes just days before President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to travel to France for a working visit, where he will meet French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss ways of strengthening political, economic and trade relations between the two countries, as per News24.
Dlodlo takes over the position previously held by Nathi Mthethwa, whose death in Paris last year shocked South Africans and prompted an investigation by French authorities.
The experienced politician has served in several senior Cabinet roles during her public service career, including Minister of Public Service and Administration and, later, Minister of State Security. Her latest appointment places her at the forefront of South Africa’s diplomatic engagement with one of its key European partners.
Her arrival in Paris also comes as South Africa continues to expand its international partnerships, with France remaining an important ally in areas such as investment, defence cooperation, renewable energy and trade.
Dlodlo replaces Mthethwa, who died on 2 October 2025 after falling from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris while serving as South Africa’s ambassador.
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According to reports from French investigators at the time, Mthethwa had booked a room on the 22nd floor, and authorities found that a secured window had been forced open using a pair of scissors discovered at the scene.
French prosecutor Laure Beccuau said at the time, ‘Initial investigations suggest that this could have been a deliberate act, without the intervention of a third party.’
Investigators concluded there were no indications of foul play and said they believed his death resulted from suicide.
However, Mthethwa’s family has consistently disputed those findings and rejected the conclusion reached by French authorities, maintaining that questions surrounding the circumstances of his death remain unanswered.
Before his diplomatic posting, Mthethwa served as Minister of Arts and Culture between 2014 and 2023 and was South Africa’s Minister of Police from 2008 to 2014.
Dlodlo now steps into the role at an important moment for South Africa’s foreign policy. With President Ramaphosa preparing for high-level talks in Paris, her appointment is expected to help reinforce diplomatic engagement between Pretoria and Paris as both governments seek closer cooperation on a range of strategic issues.
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