Cape Town — African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, has given an update on Pravin Gordhan’s health, and dismissed the rumours that he has died as ‘false’.
Gordhan was admitted to the hospital earlier this week, and family and friends held a special prayer vigil for him as they prayed for his speedy recovery. Mbalula visited the former Minister of Public Enterprises and gave an update on his current situation.
“Indeed comrade PG is currently in a critical condition and is receiving the necessary medical attention. He is surrounded by family friends and comrades. We believe that the medical team is doing all that is necessary to give comrade Pravin Gordhan the best care that is possible and we remain hopeful for his recovery,” Mbalula said.
He called on South Africans and members of the party to keep “Comrade PG” in their prayers and sent his well-wishes to the extended Gordhan.
He said Gordhan has served the people of South Africa with distinction in public service since then when he was the commissioner of SARS and in various Ministerial roles too.
[WATCH] This morning I visited Comrade Pravin Gordhan (PG) in hospital after receiving information from his family that he has been hospitalized.
Indeed, Comrade PG is currently in critical condition and is receiving the necessary medical attention. He is surrounded by family… pic.twitter.com/ps4PQTkqbf
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) September 12, 2024
Mbalula also condemned the spreading of fake news that Gordhan had passed away. He said the duty to announce his death was on the family. He added that it was not only insensitive to spread false information but also terrible that people were celebrating his alleged death.
“There was already fake news circulating about Comrade PG and by those who are his enemies, the family put it on record that he is admitted to hospital. It was correct of the family to do that, given his public standing, but even those who opposed Pravin Gordhan soon to be on the overdrive of fake news in this regard, including some making public statements to wish him dead, that is not Ubuntu,” he said.
Mbalula said Gordhan was a key member of the renewal of the ANC and democracy and said that one can differ from someone else, but one should not wish them dead. He said anyone who has fought for the country, should be celebrated.
“Pravin Gordhan stood for the truth, he stood for what is good for humanity. From the days of struggle, he was there. You may not agree with him politically or ideologically, but he was there. From Apartheid to Democracy, he was there,” Mbalula added.
[WATCH] We were informed because there was already fake news circulating about Comrade PG, and this was being done by those who are his enemies. https://t.co/Pl5NrC4wc5 pic.twitter.com/aQAKtXjzx8
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) September 12, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
