Veteran South African politician and former cabinet minister Pravin Gordhan has passed away at the age of 75 after a brief but brave battle with cancer. Gordhan died in the early hours of Friday morning, surrounded by his family, close friends, and lifelong comrades from the liberation struggle, according to a statement released by his family.
The statement noted that Gordhan’s final moments were spent with those he loved most. “He was surrounded by his family, closest friends, and his lifelong comrades in the liberation struggle when he passed away in the early hours this morning,” the statement read.
Gordhan is survived by his wife, Vanitha, and their two daughters, Anisha and Priyesha. He retired from politics following this year’s general elections, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. In his final words to those closest to him, Gordhan reflected on his life’s work with pride, stating, “I have no regrets. We have made our contribution.”https://twitter.com/ThuliMadonsela3/status/1834448869532323961?s=19
**A Life Dedicated to Public Service and Struggle**
Born Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan on April 12, 1949, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Gordhan qualified as a pharmacist from the University of Durban-Westville and later pursued a postgraduate diploma in economics at the London School of Economics. His commitment to public service and the liberation of South Africa began early in his life, with active involvement in the underground movements of the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) during the 1970s.
Gordhan’s activism came at a personal cost, as he was detained three times by the apartheid regime, including a harrowing 160 days spent in solitary confinement in 1981. Despite these challenges, he continued his work in the struggle, becoming a key figure in the Codesa multi-party negotiations that paved the way for South Africa’s first democratic government. He also co-chaired the Transitional Executive Council, which helped prepare the country for the 1994 elections.
**Career Highlights and Legacy**
Throughout his illustrious career, Gordhan held several high-profile positions, including minister of public enterprises, minister of cooperative governance, and twice as finance minister. His tenure as finance minister was marked by efforts to stabilize the country’s economy, curb corruption, and improve revenue collection during his time as commissioner of the South African Revenue Service.
However, his career was not without controversy. Gordhan was dramatically dismissed as finance minister by former president Jacob Zuma, a move widely seen as politically motivated due to Gordhan’s stance against state capture and corruption. Despite this, he remained a vocal advocate for transparency and accountability in government.
In 2022, while delivering the public enterprises budget vote, Gordhan drew on his struggle credentials to highlight the ongoing challenges facing South Africa, particularly in the wake of the state capture era. “Nothing can destroy the might of an organized people driven by a clear vision who take their destiny into their own hands,” he said. Gordhan emphasized the impact of corruption on communities, stating, “The acts of the greedy, the corrupt, and the bully set back our progress as a democracy and stop us from becoming a caring nation.”
**A Resilient Voice for Accountability**
Gordhan’s legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to fighting corruption and building a better South Africa. His contributions to the country’s political landscape, from his early days in the liberation struggle to his battles against state capture, have left an indelible mark on the nation. His family’s statement captures the essence of his life: a man who lived with conviction and served with honor.
As South Africa mourns the loss of Pravin Gordhan, his legacy of resilience, integrity, and dedication to public service will continue to inspire future generations.