WATCH | Pravin Gordhan candlelight vigil: Friends & fellow activists sing his praises
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and Defend Our Democracy held a night vigil to pray for Gordhan's speedy recovery.
Friends and fellow activists of former Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan assembled at the Constitutional Hill in Braamfontein on Thursday evening. Picture:Katlego Jiyane/ Eyewitness News.
JOHANNESBURG - Former Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan's friends and fellow activists have praised him for what they describe as his dedication to combating corruption in government.
They assembled at Constitutional Hill in Braamfontein on Wednesday evening.
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and Defend Our Democracy held a night vigil to pray for his speedy recovery.
Gordhan, who is battling an undisclosed illness, was admitted in hospital on Tuesday.
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Sorrowful faces were the order of the night and posters adorned with Gordhan’s portrait as his friends, supporters and fellow activists came together to wish him a speedy recovery.
Former ambassador to the US Sheila Sisulu praised the former minister, adding that his efforts to reform State institutions will always be remembered.
"When he joined the government, he didn’t work at SARS [South African Revenue Service]. He fixed SARS and made it work. It was later that it was virtually destroyed."
Alf Karrim, a friend of the former minister, also spoked highly of Gordhan's kind and warm-hearted nature.
Gordhan's friends believe his contribution to government were not sufficiently appreciated - suggesting he faced misdirected attacks due to failing state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
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When Gordhan announced his retirement from politics, many took the opportunity to reflect on his time in office, with some attributing the failures of state institutions to him.
Sisulu said claims that Gordhan left behind a trail of destruction in SOEs were untrue.
"He was attacked, he was not very much liked. Not that we wanted to be liked. He didn’t do his work to be liked, he did his job because that’s what he was there for."
She added that the criticism didn't deter Gordhan.
"We hope you’ll be able to pull through, and at least enjoy your hard work in government and in the organisation. The punishment you had to bear was worth it."
Very little has been revealed about Gordhan’s illness and many who attended the vigil weren’t also unsure about the details of his condition.