Gordhan's final letter: Govt must take active measures to remove corrupt officials from office
The late former minister's daughter, Anisha Gordhan, presented the letter during a media briefing at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg on Friday afternoon.
The late former minister Pravin Gordhan. Picture: Jacques Nelles/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Former Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan's daughter released his final thoughts on governance in a letter before his passing.
Anisha Gordhan presented the letter during a media briefing at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg on Friday afternoon.
In the letter, the late politician said that the government must take active measures to remove corrupt, greedy and self-serving officials from public office.
He also outlined concerns over what he described as the rapid erosion of ethical standards at state institutions.
The former minister and struggle veteran articulated in a letter that political leaders had opted to prioritise their own interests over serving the people who elected them to power.
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Gordhan, in the letter presented by his daughter, Anisha, called for a concerted effort to rebuild public trust in both the government and the nation’s political leaders.
"Populism seemingly represents the interest of the majority of South Africans but actually represents the interest of just a few."
He added that the rapid increase in looting the public purse was a cause for concern.
"We first need to draw a clear line between public funds and resources and private resources. Public funds must be spent to improve the standard of living of the poor."
Meanwhile, close friends of the late former minister, including Mac Maharaj and Trevor Manuel, reflected on some of their most cherished memories with him.