He had no regrets: Politicians, civil society pay tribute to Pravin Gordhan
A committed political activist from his teenage years, Pravin Gordhan’s family said he understood that his participation in government was not merely a technical or technocratic role. He passed away on Friday aged 75.
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.
CAPE TOWN - Two-time finance minister, Pravin Gordhan, has passed away after a short battle with cancer.
Family spokesperson Adrian Lackay announced Gordhan’s death in the early hours of Friday morning, saying that in his final moments, the former public enterprises minister said he had lived a life of no regrets.
Gordhan retired from active politics after the May polls to spend more time with his family.
He was 75 years old.
A committed political activist from his teenage years, Gordhan’s family said he understood that his participation in government was not merely a technical or technocratic role.
Rather, it was to advance public duty, uplift the poor, eliminate inequalities, and fight racism, greed, and corruption.
Gordhan served as South African Revenue Service (SARS) commissioner, had two stints as finance minister, was cooperative governance minister, and held his final portfolio at public enterprises until his retirement in June.
‘SERVING A HIGHER PURPOSE’
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation’s Neeshan Balton said Gordhan wanted to be remembered only as an activist who had the opportunity to contribute to a changing South Africa and to build the institutions of democracy.
"His mantra of serving for a higher purpose must become the mantra for all who shared his ideals and aspirations."
In his final moments, Gordhan said he had no regrets, and had made his contribution to bettering South Africa.
At the same time, President Cyril Ramaphosa says he is deeply saddened by the passing of lifelong activist and former public enterprises minister, Pravin Gordhan. The president has also offered his deep condolences to the former minister’s family. Kgomotso Modise takes a look…
President Cyril Ramaphosa sent his condolences to Gordhan’s wife, Vanitha Raju, his daughters Anisha and Priyesha, and his siblings Manecklal and Shanta.
In a statement, the president reflected on the former minister’s political career, from his appointment as SARS commissioner in 1999 to his time as public enterprises minister.
Ramaphosa said the country has lost an outstanding leader, whose unassuming persona belied the depth of intellect, integrity, and energy with which he undertook his activism.
He also said Gordhan’s personal sacrifices and endeavours endowed him with the insights, empathy, and resilience that fueled his service to the nation.
Former African National Congress (ANC) member of Parliament Melanie Verwoerd reflected on Gordhan’s longstanding commitment to politics.
"This is obviously a very sad day. My heart goes out to Vani and his two daughters. I think for me, what's very sad is that his family and him didn't get more time to spend together after politics, because he really gave his life since he was a student to politics, and he paid a price for that - and his family certainly paid a huge price for that as well."
SELFLESS SACRIFICES
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) said former minister Pravin Gordhan served the nation and the mass democratic movement with distinction.
The trade union federation has sent its condolences to Gordhan’s family, saying the country remains indebted for his selfless sacrifices.
COSATU has remembered Pravin Gordhan for his dedication to the liberation of the nation. It said he showed nerves of steel through the brutal torture he endured while in detention, noting that he could have enjoyed a relatively comfortable life as a pharmacist but chose a life of activism in the ANC, its military wing, military wing, Umkhonto weSizwe, and the South African Communist Party (SACP).
Gordhan has been described as a forthright leader who said what he felt and pushed others to do better.
COSATU said his integrity, principles, and commitment were never in doubt.
Gordhan is survived by his wife and two daughters.
'HE GAVE HIS LIFE TO POLITICS'
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said in his numerous positions, Gordhan worked with integrity, purpose and dedication.
He's shared his condolences with the former minister's loved ones.
“I worked closely with him when I was the finance minister of the Western Cape and he was the minister of finance. I must say that he was always willing to engage. He was always responsive. Of course, I also served alongside him in various other portfolios. He was quick to answer and give us feedback."
Exceptional, phenomenal and one-of-a-kind - these are just some of the words used by former MP and political analyst Melanie Verwoerd when describing Gordhan.
“I think, for me, the sadness is that he and his family didn’t get more time together after politics because he really gave his life, since he was a student, to politics and he paid a price for that and his family paid a price for that as well.”