Gordhan requested his body be transported to Durban via SAA

JOHANNESBURG - The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation’s Neeshan Bolton said one of Pravin Gordhan’s final wishes before his passing was for his body to be transported to Durban - specifically on a South African Airways (SAA) flight.

This revelation comes as some political parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), accuse Gordhan of undermining State institutions and attempting to privatise SAA.

ALSO READ: SAA says Gordhan was instrumental in getting it back in the sky

Gordhan’s close friends and fellow African National Congress (ANC) members gathered to honour his legacy at a memorial service at the Johannesburg City Hall, on Tuesday.

Bolton said before his passing, Gordhan called his close friends to his hospital bed and shared a list of his final wishes.

"From his deathbed, he directed his funeral. We were preparing for his funeral to take place in Johannesburg. By Wednesday night, he said the funeral must happen in Durban and his body must fly with SAA and no other airline."

Bolton also said Gordhan was concerned about the greed of some ANC members.

"Integrity and ethical conduct in our politics appear to be sadly declining. Populism seemingly represents the interests of the majority of South Africans but actually represents the interests of just a few."

Gordhan’s body was transported to Durban on Tuesday, ahead of his special official funeral scheduled for Thursday.