By Thabo Mosia
Johannesburg – At the memorial service hosted by the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation on Sunday, African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula honoured the late Pravin Gordhan for his relentless efforts in eradicating corruption within the South African government. Gordhan, a former Public Enterprises Minister, passed away after a battle with cancer earlier this month, and his death marks the end of an era. Mbalula emphasized that the ANC would carry forward Gordhan’s legacy by continuing to combat corruption and ensuring accountability within state institutions.
Mbalula’s Tribute to Gordhan: A Beacon of Integrity
Speaking at the memorial service, Mbalula lauded Gordhan as a “fearless crusader” who stood firmly against corruption. He described Gordhan’s principles and moral fortitude as fundamental in restoring integrity within public office. According to Mbalula, Gordhan’s legacy of courage and accountability will continue to inspire generations and guide the ANC’s ongoing renewal efforts. The memorial, which was attended by many political figures and family members, was a moment to reflect on Gordhan’s substantial contributions to South Africa’s governance and political landscape.
Mbalula pointed out that critics of Gordhan were often the beneficiaries of corruption themselves, implying that their criticism was a form of retribution for the role Gordhan played in cleaning up maladministration. He stressed that Gordhan’s fight against state capture, corruption, and incompetence was not easy, particularly when it involved standing up against those within the system.
Gordhan’s Legacy in Combating State Capture
Mbalula highlighted that Gordhan’s dedication to the fight against state capture made him a target of vilification, especially from those who sought to maintain corrupt practices. Despite this, Gordhan’s resolve never wavered, and he remained a “beacon of hope and courage” for those who wanted to restore dignity and order to South Africa’s government institutions. Mbalula underscored Gordhan’s instrumental role in exposing and confronting those responsible for state capture, which earned him numerous adversaries, but also the respect of many within the ANC and beyond.
Continued Fight Against Corruption
The memorial service was not only a tribute to Gordhan’s personal achievements but also a call to action for the ANC to remain committed to fighting corruption. Mbalula stated that the best way to honour Gordhan’s legacy was to stay steadfast in the renewal of the ANC and to root out counter-revolutionary forces seeking to undermine the party’s goals. He affirmed that the ANC would not be swayed by detractors and would continue its quest to rid government institutions of corruption, inefficiency, and incompetence.
A Reflection on Gordhan’s Contributions
Gordhan’s contributions to South Africa’s democratic project extended beyond his fight against corruption. As a former Minister of Public Enterprises, Gordhan was a key player in ensuring the stability of the country’s vital sectors, including state-owned enterprises. Despite facing significant challenges, Gordhan worked tirelessly to ensure that these institutions operated with transparency and efficiency, often going head-to-head with those who sought to exploit these entities for personal gain.
Mbalula emphasised that Gordhan’s work in defending state institutions from capture and his unwavering belief in the values of the ANC were emblematic of his commitment to the people of South Africa. He noted that while leaders may come and go, the work that Gordhan did will continue to resonate within the party, and his example will remain a guiding force for future generations of leaders.
Honouring Gordhan’s Legacy Through Action
Mbalula made it clear that the ANC’s commitment to Gordhan’s legacy extends beyond words. He called on all members of the party to take concrete actions to eradicate corruption and ensure that public institutions serve the interests of the people. According to Mbalula, Gordhan’s principles of honesty, accountability, and justice must remain at the heart of the ANC’s mission moving forward.
Gordhan’s passing, Mbalula said, marked the end of an era, but also served as a reminder of the important work that remains to be done. He urged his fellow comrades to draw inspiration from Gordhan’s courage and continue the work of building a government that is transparent, accountable, and dedicated to the service of the people.
Public Reaction to Gordhan’s Death
Following Gordhan’s death, there has been a wide range of reactions from across the political spectrum. While many have praised his legacy, others have sought to tarnish his memory with false narratives. Mbalula addressed these criticisms, stating that those who speak ill of Gordhan are often the very people who stood to benefit from the corruption he worked so hard to eliminate. He called on the public to reject these falsehoods and to remember Gordhan as a man who fought for what was right, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), in particular, criticised Gordhan, labelling him as corrupt and accusing him of destroying state entities during his time as Minister. In response, Mbalula dismissed these claims, arguing that Gordhan’s track record speaks for itself and that his critics are merely attempting to rewrite history for their own gain.
A State Funeral for a National Hero
Gordhan was laid to rest with full state honours, a fitting tribute to his years of service to the nation. The state funeral was followed by a private cremation, attended by his family and close friends. Mbalula, along with many other prominent figures, paid tribute to Gordhan’s life and work, celebrating his unwavering commitment to justice, transparency, and good governance.
Gordhan is survived by his wife Vanitha and his two daughters, Anisha and Priyesha. His passing leaves a significant void in South Africa’s political landscape, but his legacy as a principled leader who fought tirelessly for the people of South Africa will continue to inspire future generations.
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