Tributes are pouring in for former public enterprises minister, Pravin Gordhan

Tributes are pouring in for former public enterprises minister, Pravin Gordhan. Gordhan died in the early hours of Friday after battling with cancer. He was 75.

PICTURED: Pravin Gordhan

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed sadness following the passing

"The President’s thoughts are with former Minister Gordhan’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", says Vincent Magwenya, Presidency spokesperson.

“We have lost an outstanding leader whose unassuming persona belied the depth of intellect, integrity and energy with which he undertook his activism, his duty as a parliamentarian and his roles as a member of Cabinet. Pravin Gordhan’s personal sacrifices and his endeavours and achievements in various sectors of our society endowed him with the insights, empathy and resilience that fuelled his service to the nation.’’

“In the latter years of this service to the nation, and as a beacon of our fight against corruption, Pravin Gordhan stood up to derision and threats emanating from some in our nation who were scorched by his insistence that justice be dispensed against those who sought to undermine our democracy and raid our public resources and assets.

GOOD party leader, Patricia De Lille, says South Africa has lost a leader whose deep loyalty to the country’s Constitution will never be forgotten. 

‘’Gordon spent most of his life fighting against injustice, toward a free and better South Africa for all. His leadership during the transition to democracy and later in the public sector reflected unwavering integrity and dedication to his country. As South Africans, we are grateful for his service and, in particular, his commitment and resilience in fighting corruption.’’

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said Gordhan worked with integrity, purpose and dedication.

“I had the pleasure of working closely with Mr Gordhan when I served as the Western Cape Minister of Finance. He was always willing to engage our government constructively, despite our differences on policy. Mr Gordhan will be sorely missed.”

“In his numerous positions, whether it was in national government or as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, Mr Gordhan worked with integrity, purpose and dedication. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time,’’ he added.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said Gordhan dedicated his life to building a better South Africa for all.

‘’Minister Gordhan’s commitment to protecting our democratic institutions, especially during his time as Minister of Finance, will forever be remembered as a cornerstone of his legacy. His bravery in the face of immense pressure, as he stood firm to safeguard the nation’s future, is an inspiration to all of us who strive for good governance and integrity,’’ said Ashor Sarupen, Deputy Chairperson of the DA Federal Council.

‘’His life was one of service, and in the spirit of our Government of National Unity, his legacy reminds us of the duty we share across political divides to protect and nurture our democracy, our institutions and our constitution,’’ he added.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) said Gordhan has served the nation and the mass democratic movement with distinction.

‘’We remain in debt to comrade PG and the Gordhan family for his selfless sacrifices…. He showed nerves of steel that few of today’s peace time heroes could imagine, including surviving brutal torture in detention,’’ said Matthew Parks, COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator.

‘’History will judge Cde. PG as a hero who played his role.  He was not infallible or perfect, like all of us.  But he was there when times were dark, and he made his mark,’’ added Parks.

 

Done By: Mitchum George