Tributes pour in for struggle stalwart Pravin Gordhan

Tributes continue to pour in following the passing of struggle stalwart Pravin Gordhan. Gordhan died in hospital on Friday morning following a short battle with cancer.

He retired from active politics following this year’s general election to spend more time with his family. His last portfolio in the South African Cabinet was Minister of Public Enterprises from 2018 to 2024.

The African National Congress (ANC) has extended its condolences to his family and friends. ANC Head of Policy and Research Fèbè Potgieter-Gqubule has described Gordhan as a great South African patriot.

“The ANC certainly is deeply saddened by the passing of Comrade Pravin Gordhan. He was a veteran of our struggle, serving in a whole range of different capacities – in the mass democratic movement, the united democratic front, uMkhonto weSizwe, in the ANC underground and after 1994 he held a whole range of different responsibilities, which showed his dedication to service to the people.” 

Fébé Potgieter-Gqubule pays tribute: 

‘Principled and courageous leader’

The Nelson Mandela Foundation has expressed deep sadness over the passing of Pravin Gordhan. In a statement, the foundation says “Our thoughts are with his wife and daughters, his family, friends and comrades at this difficult time.”

“South Africa has lost one of its finest servants. Mr Gordhan served the country with great distinction, whether in the fight against apartheid in the 1970s and 1980s in the mass democratic movement and the ANC/SACP underground, or during the transition period in the early 1990s, or in the democratic era as both a public servant and cabinet minister.”

“He worked closely with Madiba during the transition to democracy, when he chaired CODESA, the multi-party negotiating forum and the Transitional Executive Council. During the first democratic parliament, he again worked closely with Madiba in his role as chairperson of the committee which oversaw the drafting of the constitution.”

The foundation says Gordhan will be remembered as a “principled and courageous leader, someone who stood firm against those intent on using power to capture the state for private interests. He’ll be sorely missed.”

He has been lauded for his contributions, ranging from his time in uMkhonto weSizwe to fighting corruption in government. He is widely credited for turning the South African Revenue Service into a world-class revenue collection institution.

ANC Veterans’ League’s Mavuso Msimang pays tribute:

‘Profound loss’

Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) Secretary General Apa Pooe has described the passing of Gordhan as a profound loss, urging South Africans to recommit to the values Gordhan stood for.

“On behalf of the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), we express our deepest condolences on the passing of former Minister Pravin Gordhan. His departure marks a profound loss not only for his family and loved ones but for the nation as a whole. In this time of mourning, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his work. May they find comfort in the memories of his life and the impact he made in the pursuit of a just and equitable society.”

‘Integrity and hard work’

Peace activist and former politician Ela Gandhi has paid an emotional tribute to Gordhan. Gandhi says that she’s always been friends with the Gordhan family, adding that she has fond memories of first meeting him when he was a teenager.

Gandhi says Gordhan leaves behind an indelible mark on South Africa, remembering him for his integrity and hard work.

“It’s really sad, he was such a committed person. One of our really great leaders. His stature was just beyond words. It’s really a sad occasion that we have lost a really committed leader in our country, a person who actually did a lot of work for the country.” 

Ela Gandhi pays tribute:

 

The Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation say they will host a joint media briefing at 12:00 today on behalf Gordan’s family in Houghton.

PODCAST | Executive Director at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, Neeshan Balton, pays tribute to Gordhan: 

LIFE & TIMES of former minister Pravin Gordhan: