Pravin Gordhan — ‘Outstanding’ leader who ‘gave his whole life to public service’

Gordhan

Cape Town – South Africa has lost “an outstanding leader whose unassuming persona belied the depth of intellect, integrity and energy”.

Paying tribute former minister and lifetime activist Pravin Gordhan, who died in hospital this morning, 13 September, after being diagnosed with cancer, President Cyril Ramaphosa said Gordhan’s “personal sacrifices and his endeavours and achievements in various sectors of our society endowed him with the insights, empathy and resilience that fuelled his service to the nation”.

“Gordhan stood up to derision and threats emanating from some in our nation who were scorched by his insistence that justice be dispensed against those who sought to undermine our democracy and raid our public resources and assets,” Ramaphosa said.

The former finance minister was at the centre of the fightback against State Capture under former president Jacob Zuma’s rule.

Among the first to pay tribute to Gordhan was former public Protector Thuli Madonsela, who posted on social media: “He worked selflessly to help bring about democracy and did a stellar job in making SARS a world-class institution.”

Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner at the South African Revenue Service (SARS), a post Gordhan held for 10 years from 1999 to 2009, told EWN today: “Pravin must be acknowledged as the leader of SARS who laid the foundation for taking a largely inwardly focused and administratively oriented former department in government and creating and establishing the foundations of a modern tax and customs administration.

“There was no doubt that at the helm he was a thought leader. He took the SARS Act and gave it life and it was an absolute privilege and a huge learning experience for me to have had the opportunity to work with him during that time and before he left, as one of his deputy commissioners,” Kieswetter said.

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula posed a long tribute on X, saying: “It is sad that after giving his entire life to public service, his demise comes so soon after his retirement. Just when he was supposed to retire and enjoy time with his wife and grandchildren. Indeed death is a thief.”

Gordhan retired before the general elections in May 2024.

The Democratic Alliance praised Gordhan for his work as SARS commissioner and finance minister, and for his defiance against Zuma.

“Minister Gordhan’s commitment to protecting our democratic institutions, specially during his time as finance minister, will forever be remembered as a cornerstone of his legacy. His bravery in the face of immense pressure, as he stood firm to safeguard the nation’s future, is an inspiration to all of us who strive for good governance and integrity,” DA federal council deputy chairperson and MP Ashor Sarupen told TimesLive today.

ANC acting national spokesperson Zuko Godlimpi told Polity Gordhan’s death was a solemn reminder that the work to transform South Africa is far from complete.

“Let us draw inspiration from his courage, dedication and unwavering resolve, as we continue our collective efforts to build a better, united and prosperous nation,” he said.

Trade union Solidarity said Gordhan was “a formidable negotiator but was also open to conversation”.

“He genuinely put the country’s interests first and hated State capture,” it said.

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation said Gordhan would “be remembered as a great communicator […] This served him well as a leader, activist, commissioner and Minister”.

Details of the funeral arrangements will be announced on Friday, 13 September, according to the foundation.

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Picture: X/@MbalulaFikile

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