Echoes of integrity resound at Pravin Gordhan's funeral

DURBAN - Political allies and opposition factions have echoed sentiments of integrity that former minister Pravin Gordhan carried throughout his political career.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban on Thursday, for the special official funeral of the late African National Congress (ANC) stalwart.

Gordhan died last week at the age of 75.

WATCH LIVE: Special official funeral for Former Minister Pravin Gordhan

Commonly referred to as PG by his close political counterparts, the late Gordhan was seen as a stern figure, steadfast in his political fight against corruption.

Rise Mzansi national leader Songezo Zibi said Gordhan carried a rare trait. 

“It’s one of the reasons that him an I had quite a few disagreements - it’s that you always knew where you stood. There was no second-guessing what Pravin thought, he would tell you, you would either agree or you would have a big fight but it was always done from a place of integrity.”

The former Finance MEC for KwaZulu-Natal, Ravi Pillay, said he knew Gordhan for 45 years and despite their friendship, he would never take it easy on him when it came to working for the betterment of the people.

“So when you come back to fond memories, it’s fond memories but still tough memories, because he would make you work on Christmas Day. I recall I had to attend a workshop on Christmas Day.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to deliver the official eulogy.

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