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President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sadness over the passing of former Minister of Public Enterprises and lifelong activist, Pravin Gordhan.
Gordhan, 75, passed away in the early hours of Friday morning after a battle with cancer, his family confirmed.
In a statement, President Ramaphosa offered condolences to Gordhan’s wife, Vanitha Raju, their daughters Anisha and Priyesha, and his extended family. He also extended sympathies to Gordhan’s comrades and associates in both his political and public sector careers.
Gordhan held several key government positions, including Minister of Finance from 2009 to 2014 and again from 2015 to 2017. He also served as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs between 2014 and 2015, and as Minister of Public Enterprises from 2018 until his planned retirement in March 2024.
Gordhan’s public service career began with his appointment as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in 1999. His involvement in politics stemmed from his activism during the anti-apartheid struggle, which included leadership roles in student and civic movements, the Natal Indian Congress, and the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC).
He played a significant role in South Africa’s transition to democracy, serving as a leader during the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) negotiations and later as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Constitutional Committee.
President Ramaphosa described Gordhan as “an outstanding leader whose unassuming persona belied his deep intellect, integrity, and energy.” He lauded Gordhan for his personal sacrifices, dedication to the anti-apartheid struggle, and his later role in combating corruption within the government.
“Pravin Gordhan stood up to threats from those scorched by his insistence that justice be served against those undermining our democracy,” Ramaphosa said. “As we mourn his passing, we remain grateful for his life of sacrifice and service to the nation.”
Gordhan’s decades-long service left a significant mark on South Africa’s political and economic landscape, and his death marks the end of an era of his profound contributions to public life.
The nation mourns the loss of a leader whose commitment to justice and governance defined his life.