Cape Town — African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general (SG), Fikile Mbalula, paid tribute to the late Pravin Gordhan, praising his commitment, integrity and loyalty through the years.
Gordhan passed away last week Friday aged 75 after a short battle with cancer and has received many tributes for his services to South Africa in various ministerial roles and as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Services (SARS).
According to IOL, Mbalula said Gordhan left a lasting legacy in South Africa in his fight against corruption and that it came at a time when the country needed it most.
“Gordhan was remarkable for his perseverance and firmness of purpose. Even in the face of adversity, he led a resolute charge against corruption and state capture,” Mbalula said.
He said Gordhan’s decision provoked admiration and debate but no one could question his integrity, and that he held firm once he held a position. He also noted that Gordhan faced scrutiny from critics, many of whom were beneficiaries of state capture.
“For us who are living, we say: forward ever, backwards never,” Mbalula added, calling on South Africans to continue Gordhan’s battle against corruption.
[WATCH] “Let those who’re still alive and are good men and women, never agree for history to perish and PG’s name to be drowned by people with evil intentions,” ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula pays tribute to late minister #PravinGordhan . #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/iWuwwTJZt1
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 19, 2024
The SG added that Gordhan’s passing came at a critical time for the nation and the beneficiaries of graft, greed and state capture will not give up without a fight. He said that it was important to honour Gordhan’s legacy after his death.
As South Africans mourn his loss, Mbalula said the ANC is also deeply affected by this loss.
“We of the ANC share in your grief,” Mbalula expressed, addressing Gordhan’s family and loved ones. “We’ve come together not only to mourn but also to honour a revolutionary who dedicated his life to the liberation and betterment of South Africa.”
He added that Gordhan’s impact on South Africa was profound and his absence would be a difficult home to fill. Mbalula painted a portrait of a humble man who, despite holding positions of great power, remained grounded in his principles.
“Gordhan’s life was defined by a commitment to justice. In remembering him, we will recall the little things that defined him as a philanthropist and humanitarian,’’ he said.
In an interview with eNCA, Mbalula also explained that he did not want to be dishonest about PG and that the ANC owed it to him for his dedication to the struggle.
“We owe it to him to give a fitting tribute to a person who has spent his entire life for the liberation of our people. We can’t be distracted by those who want us to emphasise the negative, other it is outweighed by the positives,” Mbalula said.
He added that the party could have done better to support Gordhan during the times that he felt lonely, as he was exposed to attacks from those affected by state capture.
[WATCH] ANC Secretary General talks to eNCA about the life in times of Cde Pravin Gordhan’. #RIPPravinGordhan #HambaKahleCdePG https://t.co/HjdZmrusYL
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) September 19, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
