A video from the funeral of former Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has gone viral, showing mourners rushing to collect food and drinks in a scene that shocked many South Africans. The incident, which took place shortly after the service, has sparked heated discussions about poverty, dignity, and the harsh realities facing ordinary citizens.
The footage, first shared on TikTok by user @thobekakakhumalo on 12 October 2025, captured mourners pushing and grabbing multiple food packs and beverages meant for guests. Within just a few hours, the video gained more than 7,000 likes and over 3,000 comments, becoming one of the most discussed clips online. Many expressed disbelief that such chaos could erupt at the funeral of a respected national figure.
Observers said the incident occurred moments after the formal proceedings ended. What was supposed to be a solemn farewell quickly turned into a scramble, with people seen leaving the venue carrying armfuls of refreshments. Social media users described the moment as both “sad” and “telling,” reflecting the dire economic situation many South Africans face.
Poverty and Desperation Highlighted
While some condemned the mourners’ behaviour as disrespectful, others defended it, saying it exposed the depth of poverty and hunger in the country. Many commenters pointed out that unemployment, food insecurity, and the rising cost of living have left millions struggling to survive — and that desperation often overshadows social etiquette, even during sacred events.
The reality is, people are hungry,” one user wrote. “They don’t even feel the pain of losing someone anymore; they just see food and act out of need.”
Others argued that the incident symbolised a broader decline in societal values, while some saw it as a painful reflection of inequality — where the rich bury their dead in luxury, and the poor fight over leftovers.
Remembering Nathi Mthethwa
Nathi Mthethwa, who served as South Africa’s Minister of Police and later as Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, was 58 at the time of his death. He was found dead in Paris on 30 September 2025, near the Hyatt Regency Hotel. French authorities confirmed that a window on the 22nd floor of his room had been forced open, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Mthethwa’s passing shocked the nation. He had been appointed South Africa’s Ambassador to France and was remembered as a political veteran who had served in multiple cabinet roles. His funeral, attended by dignitaries, family, and community members, was meant to honour his contributions — yet the viral video overshadowed much of the solemn ceremony.
Divided Reactions Online
Social media reactions to the video were deeply divided. Some users said the scene showed how hunger strips people of dignity, while others insisted it revealed a lack of respect for the deceased. One commenter wrote, “I don’t blame them, I blame poverty.” Another added, “Some were carrying five food packs each — that’s just greed.”
Despite the humour and criticism in some reactions, many agreed that the video revealed a sobering truth about everyday struggles in South Africa. Even moments of mourning are no longer immune from the country’s growing economic divide.
In the end, what was meant to be a day of remembrance for a national figure became a moment of reflection for the entire nation — not only about Nathi Mthethwa’s legacy but about the hunger, hardship, and inequality that continue to shape South African life.
