South Africa is mourning the death of former Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, who passed away at the age of 75 following an illness. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep sadness over the loss, offering condolences to Gordhan’s family, including his wife, Vanitha Raju, and daughters, Anisha and Priyesha.
In his statement, President Ramaphosa said, “We have lost an outstanding leader whose unassuming persona belied the depth of intellect, integrity, and energy with which he undertook his activism, his duty as a parliamentarian, and his roles as a member of Cabinet.”
Pravin Gordhan: A legacy of sacrifice and service to the nation
Pravin Gordhan’s life was marked by dedication to the struggle for freedom and building South Africa’s democracy. He was a key figure in the anti-apartheid movement and played a pivotal role in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA). “In the latter years of this service to the nation, and as a beacon of our fight against corruption, Pravin Gordhan stood up to derision and threats,” President Ramaphosa added.
Gordhan served as Minister of Finance from 2009 to 2014, and again from 2015 to 2017, steering the country through challenging economic times. He also held the positions of Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and more recently, Minister of Public Enterprises, before announcing his retirement in March 2024.
Gordhan’s contributions extended beyond government. He was the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) from 1999, and his efforts to rebuild the tax authority were widely praised. His legacy is intertwined with South Africa’s democratic journey, which began with his involvement in student movements in the 1970s.
Remembering a freedom fighter’s impact on South Africa’s democracy
President Ramaphosa highlighted Gordhan’s sacrifice, both personally and professionally, noting that his dedication to South Africa’s future often came at a great cost to his family. “During his decades of revolutionary dedication to making South Africa a better place, Pravin Gordhan and his family were deprived of much needed and deserved time together,” the President noted.
As the nation prepares to lay Pravin Gordhan to rest, his legacy will be remembered as one of sacrifice, resilience, and commitment to a free and fair South Africa.
