President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sorrow following the death of Pravin Gordhan, former Minister of Public Enterprises and a key figure in South Africa’s post-apartheid government. Gordhan, who passed away at the age of 75 after a period of illness, was a stalwart of the anti-apartheid movement and held several senior positions in government, including two terms as Minister of Finance.
In a heartfelt statement, President Ramaphosa extended his condolences to Gordhan’s wife, Vanitha Raju, his daughters Anisha and Priyesha, and his siblings Manecklal Gordhan and Shanta Harilal. The President also acknowledged Gordhan’s broader family, comrades, and colleagues who were touched by his legacy of public service and activism.
“Pravin Gordhan’s personal sacrifices and his endeavours in various sectors of our society endowed him with the insights, empathy, and resilience that fuelled his service to the nation,” President Ramaphosa said. “As a beacon of our fight against corruption, he stood up to derision and threats, unwavering in his insistence that justice be served.”
Gordhan’s distinguished career in public service began with his appointment as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in 1999. Prior to that, he had served as Deputy Commissioner and was widely praised for his role in transforming SARS into an effective revenue-collecting body. His contributions to the Treasury were no less impactful. Gordhan served as Finance Minister from 2009 to 2014 and again from 2015 to 2017, navigating the country through challenging economic periods with integrity and fortitude.
His other roles in government included serving as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs from 2014 to 2015 and as Minister of Public Enterprises from 2018 until his retirement in March 2024. He was known for his firm stance on rooting out corruption, particularly in the state-owned enterprises sector.
A graduate of the University of Durban-Westville with a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree, Gordhan’s career began in healthcare at King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban. His activism in the 1970s and 1980s saw him rise as a leader in the anti-apartheid struggle, playing significant roles in both the Natal Indian Congress and the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC). His involvement in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) marked his early contributions to the country’s transition to democracy.
In his tribute, President Ramaphosa reflected on the immense personal sacrifices Gordhan made throughout his decades of public service, often at the expense of time with his family.
“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,” the President said.
