Reporting in a government statement, The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) announced with deep sorrow the untimely death of His Excellency Muzikayifani Khehla Joseph Nkosi on 29 August 2026. The statement does not mention the cause of death. Ambassador Nkosi had died on 29 August 2026.
Context
The announcement reflects a period of sustained engagement across multiple diplomatic postings for Ambassador Nkosi. He joined DIRCO on 18 September 2017 and served as Ambassador to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela from 11 March 2018 to 31 March 2022, followed by service as Ambassador to the Republic of Chad from 3 August 2022 until his death. The statement does not mention any formal investigations into the circumstances surrounding his passing.
Beyond his diplomatic roles, the DIRCO’s acknowledgement underscores Nkosi’s substantial history of political activism. He previously held positions as the first Deputy President of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and as the South African Communist Party (SACP) Provincial Chairperson in KwaZulu-Natal. The statement does not mention his family or any public memorial arrangements.
What to Watch
Should the visit yield no further information regarding Ambassador Nkosi’s passing, DIRCO colleagues will convey their deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late Ambassador Nkosi. The statement does not mention any planned official responses or diplomatic protocols related to his death.
