Nathi Mthethwa Lookalike Photos Go Viral, South Africans React on X
- An X user posted photos from Hartbeespoort's Upside Down House on 11 October 2026, unknowingly sparking a social media frenzy
- A fellow netizen noticed a striking resemblance between the man in the photos and late politician Nathi Mthethwa
- Hundreds of South Africans flooded the comments section, with many convinced the two could easily be mistaken for each other
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Photos of an X user visiting a popular Hartbeespoort tourist attraction set off an unexpected social media moment on 11 October 2026, after fellow netizens spotted a striking resemblance to late politician Nathi Mthethwa.
Source: Getty Images
Edward ThembaSa had posted a series of images taken at the Upside Down House in Hartbeespoort. The post attracted little attention initially, until user @MakofaneDimphoo reposted the images and pointed out the uncanny likeness between Edward and Mthethwa.
South Africans weigh in on the resemblance
The repost quickly gathered momentum, with dozens of users agreeing that Edward could easily pass for the late ambassador.
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@MakofaneDimphoo wrote:
"Close enough, why is your family moving to France?"
@carol_seabi said:
"I also thought it was a young throwback."
@ThatZeeZee commented:
"I thought nguye nyani [it was really him]."
@masenyamakola wrote:
"Heban, uyena! Nathi Mthethwa."
@D_Molatoli added:
"No man, you look too much like Nathi Mthethwa."
@Lecheadi quipped:
"You couldn't wait a little longer before you resurfaced."
@QondileKM simply stated: "Uyena [it's him]."
Mthethwa's death and rumours of family moving to France
The references to France in many of the comments relate to Mthethwa's final years. The seasoned politician served as South Africa's ambassador to France following his time as a cabinet minister, and he lived there with his wife, Philisiwe Buthelezi.
Mthethwa died in France in September 2025 after reportedly falling from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency hotel.
In October 2026, rumours began circulating that Mthethwa's family would be relocating back to France, which appeared to inform the tone of several comments on the viral post.
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Source: Briefly News
