Pravin Gordhan, South Africa’s former Minister of Public Enterprises and Finance, died on Friday, 13 September 2024. He was 75.
Story Summary
- Pravin Gordhan dies at 75, surrounded by family.
- The veteran politician held multiple top cabinet roles, including Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises.
- Tributes pour in from political leaders and the public for his legacy in fighting corruption and strengthening public institutions.
Pravin Gordhan dies: What’s the cause of death?
His family confirmed his death in a statement, noting that he was surrounded by close relatives, friends, and comrades from the anti-apartheid struggle.
According to the family’s announcement, Gordhan had chosen to retire from active politics after the 2024 general election, intending to spend more time with his family.
However, shortly after his retirement, he was diagnosed with cancer, leading to his hospitalisation.
His passing marks the end of an era for a man who played a pivotal role in South Africa’s political and economic landscape over the past few decades.
Pravin Gordhan biography
Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan was born on 12 April 1949 in Durban, South Africa.
He matriculated from Sastri College in 1967 and later earned a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Durban-Westville.
His early career was in healthcare, working as a pharmacist at King Edward VIII Hospital until 1981 when his political activities led to his dismissal.
Gordhan’s activism began in the early 1970s as a member of the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) and the United Democratic Front (UDF).
His involvement with the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) placed him at the centre of South Africa’s struggle against apartheid.
Following the fall of apartheid, Gordhan entered formal politics, serving in various leadership roles.
As the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) from 1999 to 2009, Gordhan transformed the tax agency into a world-class institution.
He later became South Africa’s Minister of Finance (2009-2014 and 2015-2017), where he was widely respected for his efforts to stabilise the economy and fight corruption.
In 2018, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Gordhan as Minister of Public Enterprises, where he oversaw state-owned enterprises, including Eskom, South African Airways, and Transnet, amid financial crises.
He retired in 2024 after the government decided to abolish the Department of Public Enterprises.
Reactions to Gordhan’s death
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum following Gordhan’s death.
Here are some of the reactions we picked:
