Former minister in the presidency and ANC Veteran Essop Pahad has passed away at the age 84.
Born on 21 June 1939 in Schweizer-Reneke, Transvaal Province, Pahad was a highly educated individual. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Witwatersrand and later pursued his Master of Arts in African politics and PhD in history at the University of Sussex. His thesis, titled “The Development of Indian Political Movements in South Africa 1924 – 1946,” showcased his dedication to understanding and documenting the history of his homeland.
Pahad’s political journey began in 1958 when he joined the Transvaal Indian Youth Congress. His commitment to the African National Congress (ANC) saw him being arrested in 1962 for organizing an illegal strike. Following the ban of the ANC, Pahad was exiled in 1964, during which time he became actively involved with the ANC and the South African Communist Party (SACP).
His contribution to the democratic South Africa became more pronounced after the 1994 general elections, when he served as Parliamentary Counsellor to Deputy President Thabo Mbeki. Subsequently, he was appointed as the Minister in the Presidency after the 1999 general election. Pahad’s tenure in government was not without controversy, with allegations of attempting to squash an inquiry into corruption in the Arms Deal. Despite this, his dedication to public service cannot be diminished.
With the resignation of President Mbeki in 2008, Pahad also stepped down from his ministerial position. Throughout his career, Pahad has made significant contributions to the development of South Africa, and his loss will be deeply felt within the ANC and the nation as a whole.
Former minister in the presidency and ANC Veteran Essop Pahad has passed away at the age 84.
CENTRAL NEWS
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