- Gordhan served as Minister of Public Enterprises from 2018 to 2024
- He held multiple ministerial roles
- President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared an official state funeral to honor Gordhan's legacy
Pravin Gordhan, the esteemed South African anti-apartheid activist and former minister, has passed away at the age of 75, his family announced on Friday.
He died peacefully in hospital, surrounded by loved ones, following a battle with cancer.
Gordhan’s distinguished career included serving as the Minister of Public Enterprises from 2018 to 2024, and previously as Finance Minister in two separate terms, from 2009 to 2014 and again from 2015 to 2017.
He also held the position of Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. Gordhan retired from political life after the general elections in May of this year.
The African National Congress (ANC), the party he was deeply involved with, expressed its profound grief, stating, “The ANC lowers its banners in mourning the passing of Comrade Pravin Gordhan, a brave soldier of our movement who devoted his life to fighting for and serving our people.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa conveyed his sorrow, extending heartfelt condolences to Gordhan’s family and declaring an official state funeral to honor his legacy.
He highlighted Gordhan’s significant contributions, noting, “Pravin Gordhan’s personal sacrifices and his achievements across various sectors granted him the insight, empathy, and resilience that drove his service to our nation.”
Ramaphosa also praised Gordhan as a stalwart in the fight against corruption, emphasizing his steadfast dedication to justice despite facing considerable opposition.
Gordhan leaves behind his wife, Vanitha Raju, his daughters Anisha and Priyesha, and his siblings, Manecklal Gordhan and Shanta Harilal.
