Gordhan led from the front in fight against corruption: Zibi

Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi says former Public Enterprises and Finance minister Pravin Gordhan was one of the brave voices who stood up against state capture. 

Gordhan passed away in the early hours of this morning at the age of 75 years after battling cancer.

The former Minister was also among the key witnesses who testified at the State Capture Commission. 

Zibi says Gordhan led from the front in fighting corruption. 

“The first is that he was not a coward. From the time that he was involved in the struggle as an activist and operative in Operation Vula, to the post-1994 period as SARS Commissioner but also during the dark years of state capture he showed what standing for principle looks like. He led by example, he led from the front. It was a very difficult time for him and his family.” 

‘A fearless leader‘

Former Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises Obed Bapela has described Gordhan’s death as a loss to the nation.

Reflecting on his tenure serving as the Deputy Minister Bapela describes Gordhan as a no-nonsense man who was solution-oriented.

“He was a very tough person, with no nonsensical principles, hardworking, a fearless leader who was not afraid to raise difficult issues, controversial issues for that matter and confronting them head-on. So may his soul rest in peace. It’s a great loss to the country and we thought in the rebuilding of the ANC, he would be on the sides as a retired man giving advice and wisdom but unfortunately, God had other plans.” 

Obed Bapela pays tribute: 

TIMELINE| The story of Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan

Timeline by Sibusiso Biyela