Pravin Gordhan
By Thabo Mosia
President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that South Africa will pay its final respects to struggle stalwart and Cabinet veteran Pravin Gordhan, who passed away on Friday, 13 September 2024, at the age of 75. The President announced that Gordhan will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 on Thursday, 19 September 2024. The National Flag will be flown at half-mast from Saturday, 14 September, until the evening of the funeral, in recognition of the significant contributions Gordhan made to the country throughout his life.
The Presidency confirmed the Special Official Funeral, stating that it will encompass ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service (SAPS). “On Thursday, 19 September, Gordhan will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral which will encompass ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service. Details of this occasion will be made known in the coming days,” said the President’s office on Friday.
Gordhan’s passing marks the end of a long career dedicated to public service and the anti-apartheid struggle. His life and work will be commemorated with a national tribute that reflects his impact on South Africa’s transition to democracy, as well as his significant role in various ministerial positions throughout his career.
A Stalwart of the Anti-Apartheid Struggle and Public Service
Pravin Gordhan’s legacy is deeply rooted in his involvement in the liberation movement and the anti-apartheid struggle. Born on 12 April 1949 in Durban, Gordhan became actively involved in politics as a young man, participating in student and civic movements that were instrumental in the fight against apartheid. He served as an executive member of the Natal Indian Congress and later as a military operative in Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC).
During the 1970s and 1980s, Gordhan played a key role in advocating for the rights of marginalised communities, fighting against apartheid oppression, and organising civic resistance movements. His contribution to the liberation struggle earned him respect across the political spectrum. His ability to navigate the challenges of that time was a testament to his leadership and determination to create a better South Africa for all.
After the advent of democracy in 1994, Gordhan transitioned into a public service role, where his expertise and commitment continued to make a profound impact. One of his most notable achievements was his appointment as the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in 1999. Gordhan’s tenure as Commissioner was transformative, as he spearheaded the reform of SARS, establishing the institution as a respected and efficient revenue collection agency. His leadership at SARS laid the foundation for the organisation’s success in generating revenue for the country, enhancing tax compliance, and ensuring accountability within the system.
Ministerial Career and Contributions
Pravin Gordhan’s work in the public sector extended beyond his leadership at SARS. He took on significant ministerial positions over the years, shaping South Africa’s economic and governance landscape. Gordhan served as Minister of Finance from 2009 to 2014 and again from 2015 to 2017. His leadership in this role was marked by his efforts to stabilise the country’s economy, navigate turbulent global financial markets, and address fiscal challenges within South Africa.
Gordhan also served as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs from 2014 to 2015, where he focused on improving service delivery in local municipalities and strengthening relationships between government and traditional leaders. His commitment to good governance and public accountability was further demonstrated during his tenure as Minister of Public Enterprises from February 2018 until his retirement in March 2024. In this role, Gordhan worked to stabilise and revitalise South Africa’s embattled state-owned enterprises (SOEs), including Eskom and South African Airways, both of which were in dire financial straits.
His contributions to the public sector reflected his unwavering commitment to ensuring that government institutions were effective, transparent, and accountable to the people of South Africa. Despite facing criticism and challenges during his time in office, Gordhan remained focused on his vision for a South Africa that prioritised equality, economic justice, and development.
President Ramaphosa’s Tribute
In his tribute to the late Gordhan, President Cyril Ramaphosa praised him as a leader who had dedicated his life to liberating South Africa from the shackles of apartheid, inequality, and poverty. The President’s office released a statement on Friday, offering condolences to Gordhan’s family, including his spouse, Vanitha Raju, and his daughters, Anisha and Priyesha.
“President Ramaphosa has offered his deep condolences to Mr Gordhan’s spouse, Ms Vanitha Raju, daughters Anisha and Priyesha, as well as the former Minister’s older brother, Manecklal Gordhan, and sister Shanta Harilal. The President’s thoughts are also with the former Minister’s extended family, comrades, associates, and organisations with whom he established relationships as a family and community member, freedom fighter, public sector executive, and Member of the National Executive,” the Presidency said.
The President, who visited Gordhan during his final hours, emphasised that Gordhan had been driven by a vision of a society in which all people may achieve their full potential and in which all may realise their dreams. Gordhan’s passion for justice, equality, and development resonated throughout his public service career, and President Ramaphosa highlighted his relentless efforts to create a South Africa free from poverty and hunger.
“Pravin Gordhan was a true patriot who worked tirelessly to create a better life for all South Africans,” Ramaphosa said. “He fought to liberate our country from the chains of apartheid and continued to serve the people of South Africa in every role he took on. His legacy will forever be etched in our history, and his contributions to our democracy will be remembered with the highest regard.”
A Divisive Legacy: The EFF’s Rejection
However, not everyone has echoed the praise for Gordhan’s legacy. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), South Africa’s third-largest political party, strongly opposed the decision to grant Gordhan a Special Official Funeral, criticising his contributions to the country and accusing him of failing to serve the people.
In a statement released following Gordhan’s death, the EFF expressed their disapproval, stating: “The EFF rejects Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to grant Pravin Gordhan an official funeral. It is an utter waste of state resources to offer such a tribute to a man whose commitment was never to the people of South Africa, but to dismantling state assets and enriching himself and white monopoly capital.”
The EFF went on to criticise Gordhan’s legacy, particularly focusing on his role in the deterioration of state-owned enterprises, including Eskom, which has been plagued by load-shedding, corruption scandals, and financial difficulties. “Gordhan’s legacy is marked by unprecedented load-shedding, financial ruin of state enterprises, and a blatant disregard for the needs of ordinary South Africans. To honour him with a state funeral is to insult the countless lives damaged by his failures,” the statement continued.
The party also took aim at what they perceived as Gordhan’s close ties to corporate interests, accusing him of prioritising the interests of “white monopoly capital” over the needs of the broader South African population. “South Africans deserve justice, not glorification of those who have betrayed us,” the EFF said, calling for a re-evaluation of how state resources are allocated to honour individuals like Gordhan.
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