Ramaphosa hails Gordhan as humble servant of the people

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid a moving tribute to former minister Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan, saying South Africa has lost a remarkable leader, an ambassador of good governance.

Ramaphosa was delivering the Eulogy during the Special Official Category 2 Funeral of Gordhan at the International Convention Centre in Durban on Thursday.

Hundreds of mourners paid their last respects to a life well lived.

Ramaphosa describes Gordhan as a humble servant of the people. He adds Gordhan always knew what the cost of activism was.

“For all his achievements, despite his immense contribution to this country, Pravin was at all times a humble human being and activist.”

The President says Gordhan was a fearless advocate against corruption and a key figure in South Africa’s fight for democracy.

Pravin Gordhan | President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers a Eulogy:

Gordhan’s legacy is best remembered through his determination to fight corruption.

State Capture

President Ramaphosa says the late former Minister’s lone voice against State Capture was the focal point around which activists and civil society organisations rallied, forming a mass movement.

He says this mass movement was taking shape while Gordhan was the target of a smear campaign at a great cost to his family.

The President says the best tribute people can pay to Gordhan is to consider what they themselves can do to improve the country.

Retired Chief Justice Raymond Zondo described the former minister as an honourable man whose legacy must be preserved. He says Pravin was harassed for doing his job.

‘Fragility of institutions’

Meanwhile, former deputy Minister of Finance Mcebisi Jonas says the passing of his former colleague and friend Gordhan reminded him not only of the fragility of life but also of the fragility of institutions and political systems.

Jonas says small mistakes can lead to the collapse of governments and political parties.

“We take for granted in South Africa that we have a strong judiciary and we take for granted that we have a strong Revenue service and all these institutions that we can think of, but we know that these can disappear in a wink if we don’t take the right decisions as citizens and leadership of this country.”

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