South Africa mourns the loss of a true stalwart, Pravin Gordhan, who passed away peacefully at the age of 75 on Friday morning. Gordhan, a founding commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), twice finance minister, and a prominent figure in the fight against state capture, leaves behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to good governance and social justice.
His family announced that he passed away surrounded by loved ones, sharing his message of "no regrets, no regrets…We have made our contribution". Gordhan, a trained pharmacist and freedom fighter, dedicated his life to public service, serving in various ministerial roles and leaving a lasting impact on the nation's economic landscape.
Gordhan's commitment to fighting corruption and state capture, the insidious project orchestrated by former president Jacob Zuma and the Gupta family, made him a target for relentless attacks and smear campaigns. He stood firm against the relentless pressure, becoming a symbol of resistance and integrity.
His first stint as finance minister, following the election of Zuma in 2009, was marked by a commitment to responsible fiscal policies and prudent spending practices. He was widely praised for his leadership at SARS, where he spearheaded the creation of a world-leading revenue service, improving tax collection and enabling the government to invest in crucial social services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
However, his unwavering stance against corruption brought him into direct conflict with Zuma and his allies, leading to his removal as finance minister in 2014. The subsequent years saw a concerted effort to undermine Gordhan's reputation and authority, with trumped-up charges and relentless harassment from those seeking to advance the state capture agenda.
Despite the challenges, Gordhan was reappointed as finance minister in 2015, becoming a bulwark against the encroaching tide of corruption. He spearheaded efforts to increase transparency at the Treasury, becoming a beacon of accountability in a government riddled with malfeasance. He also played a crucial role in exposing and halting corrupt deals, including those involving the South African Airways (SAA) and the Guptas.
His second tenure as finance minister was marked by a relentless campaign against him, orchestrated by Zuma and his accomplices. He was subjected to public attacks, smear campaigns, and even criminal charges, all aimed at silencing his voice and undermining his authority.
Despite the relentless pressure, Gordhan remained steadfast in his commitment to ethical governance, becoming a symbol of resistance against the tide of corruption. He stood firm against the onslaught, refusing to compromise his principles, and galvanizing public support for the fight against state capture.
His dramatic removal as finance minister in 2017, replaced by a Gupta ally, sparked nationwide outrage and further fueled the movement against state capture. His unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability made him a target for those seeking to profit from corruption, but also inspired a generation of South Africans to demand better from their leaders.
In his final years, Gordhan served as Minister of Public Enterprises, tasked with the daunting challenge of rescuing state-owned entities plagued by years of corruption and mismanagement. While he faced significant setbacks, he remained committed to his mission, pushing for transparency and accountability in a system deeply entrenched in corruption.
Gordhan's legacy extends beyond his ministerial roles. He was a dedicated freedom fighter, a committed public servant, and a tireless advocate for social justice. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to a better South Africa.
His passing is a profound loss for the nation, but his spirit of resistance and his commitment to good governance will continue to inspire generations to come.
