Gordhan's daughters recall fondest memories with their late father
Speaking at his funeral in Durban on Thursday, Pravin Gordhan's youngest daughter, Priyesha, said Gordhan her father enjoyed window shopping at art stores.
The body of former minister Pravin Gordhan being carried out by family and friends as the service ends. Jacques Nelles/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Former Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan's children have shared some of their most cherished moments with their late father.
On Thursday, they reflected on their lives with Gordhan during his funeral service at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.
Gordhan died last week at the age of 75.
His eldest daughter, Anisha, recalled not being able to be in public with her father when he was wanted by the apartheid police.
“During his underground days, visits with my father included disguises, which were mostly wigs, swapping of cars and eventually a milkshake at the Tropicana restaurant in Albert Park. Non-Whites were not allowed to be served at the restaurant but you could be served in your car.
“Most of the time with my father was spent at mass and underground meetings, toyi-toying on three streets of Durban and fleeting glances in a police station or a courtroom.”
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His youngest daughter, Priyesha, said Gordhan enjoyed window shopping at an art store.
“He could not tolerate the slamming of doors in the house or the car doors because it brought him back to the trauma of being in detention and the cell being slammed shut by the security police. His favourite art piece was a sculpture named The Thinker. After his detention, he could stomach almost any food and he wasn’t fussy except for peanut butter.”
MCEBISI JONAS REFLECTS ON FINAL MOMENTS WITH GORDHAN
Former Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas has reflected on some of the moments he shared with Gordhan when he was in hospital.
Jonas is among Gordhan’s friends who spoke during his funeral service.
He said Gordhan's family and friends were by his side during his final days, sharing memories and discussing his contributions to the country's liberation.
"Whilst PG [Gordhan] was unconscious, Anisha and Priyesha were playing him recordings of the vigils held for him in Durban and Johannesburg. It struck me. When they played our national anthem, and PG was motionless, he moved. That tells you about his deep and abiding love for this country."