Bonang Matheba faces a meme storm as old posts resurface after Nathi Mthethwa's death

Bonang Matheba has become the subject of a meme storm on X after the passing of former South African diplomat Nathi Mthethwa.

On Tuesday, September 30, Mthethwa’s body was discovered in the inner courtyard of a Paris hotel.

His death came just days after he was implicated in the Madlanga Commission, which is investigating corruption within South Africa’s police service.

Testimony before the commission alleged that Mthethwa, during his time as police minister, interfered in a corruption case involving a senior Crime Intelligence official.

Mthethwa’s political career spanned more than a decade. He served as a cabinet minister under multiple administrations, holding portfolios that included police, arts and culture, as well as sports.

In December 2023, he was appointed as South Africa’s ambassador to France, taking up his diplomatic post in Paris.  

President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his sorrow following the news. In an official statement, the president extended condolences to Mthethwa’s wife, Philisiwe Buthelezi, his family, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and staff at the South African Embassy in Paris.

Ramaphosa described Mthethwa’s death in Paris as a tragedy and recognised his years of service in government.

Yet alongside the official tributes, online reaction quickly shifted toward Matheba.

Many South Africans recalled her public criticism of Mthethwa during his time as arts and culture minister, where he often clashed with artists and entertainers over funding decisions and priorities.

Within the arts community, Mthethwa gained the nickname “Minister of Condolences”, a reference to his reputation for issuing statements of sympathy when artists passed away, while being accused of failing to support them during their careers.

Matheba was among his most outspoken critics. She frequently took to social media to voice her frustration over what she viewed as poor service delivery and misplaced spending.

In July 2022, after Banyana Banyana’s victory over Zambia in the Women’s African Cup of Nations semi-finals, Mthethwa congratulated the national team.

Matheba responded that the players did not need public praise but sponsorships and sustainable support. She also questioned his push to allocate R30 million for a national philharmonic orchestra, suggesting the funds could be used to benefit women’s football instead.

Earlier that year, Matheba had also lashed out at his proposal to spend R22 million on a monumental flag at Freedom Park.

Her response was blunt: “You’re useless and we all hate you @NathiMthethwaSA.” The post circulated widely at the time, cementing her reputation as one of Mthethwa’s fiercest critics from the entertainment sector.

Following the news of his passing, X users revisited Matheba’s comments.

Memes began circulating that played on her past criticisms, with many speculating about her reaction to the news. Others reshared screenshots of her earlier posts, framing them within the context of the minister’s death.

Below are some of the memes: