The family of former South African Finance Minister and anti-apartheid veteran, Pravin Gordhan, has announced his passing at the age of 75.
A key figure in South Africa’s transition to democracy, Gordhan played a significant role in ending white-minority rule. Throughout his career, he held various high-ranking government and administrative positions, including two terms as finance minister. He retired from politics in May 2024.
The seasoned politician died in a hospital on Friday after a brief but courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by family, close friends, and comrades from the liberation struggle.
Gordhan is recognized for his leadership in transforming the South African Revenue Service (SARS) into a reputable institution during his tenure from 1999 to 2009.
His contributions extended beyond his roles in finance, serving briefly as the Minister of Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs and later as Public Enterprises Minister, where he attempted to combat corruption in state-owned entities like Eskom and South African Airways.
Born in Durban in 1949, Gordhan’s activism began in the 1970s during his pharmacy studies, becoming a key player in the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the fight against apartheid.
He faced imprisonment multiple times for his activism and was pivotal in negotiating the end of apartheid, co-chairing the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (Codesa).
Despite being accused of fraud in 2016—charges later dropped—Gordhan remained a staunch opponent of state corruption. He was dismissed from his position in 2017 for his resistance to corruption under President Jacob Zuma’s administration, with allegations centered on the controversial Gupta family.
In his final role as Public Enterprises Minister, Gordhan’s efforts to reform state-owned companies faced challenges, and his departure from politics marked the end of a long and influential career. Before his death, he reflected on his life’s work, stating, “I have no regrets. We have made our contribution.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed Gordhan as a symbol of the fight against corruption, acknowledging his personal sacrifices throughout decades of public service. Gordhan is survived by his wife, Vanitha, and their daughters, Anisha and Priyesha.