Former minister Pravin Gordhan dies at 75

Anti-apartheid activist and former Public Enterprises Minister, Pravin Gordhan, died in hospital at the age of 75.

He was admitted to the hospital early this week.

Gordhan formerly served as Minister of Finance, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and Public Enterprises. He also served as the SARS commissioner for ten years.

He retired from government following the May 29 elections.

According to a family statement, Gordhan died quietly in the hospital, surrounded by his family and close friends.

“After his retirement, Minister Gordhan fought a short, courageous battle with cancer.”

Gordhan had told friends and family he had “no regrets, no regrets…We have made our contribution,” the statement continued.

During his second term as finance minister, Gordhan attempted to curb the systemic corruption that had become outrageous and pervasive, bringing him into direct conflict with Zuma and his network.

Gordhan halted a shady agreement proposed by SAA board chairperson Dudu Myeni, a close confidant of Zuma.

He also sought to curb the Guptas’ influence in parastatals and began examining events at Eskom, Transnet, Prasa, and other state-owned firms.

To strengthen his position against Zuma’s persistent campaign, he made Treasury the most transparent government agency.

He made a stunning declaration in May 2016 urging people to “defend National Treasury and its employees,” saying that they were doing their best “under extraordinary circumstances.”

He had the strong backing of his inner circle at the ministry and senior Treasury officials, who helped him fight the Zuma-Gupta wrath.

In March 2017, Gordhan was immediately removed by Zuma from his position as finance minister and was replaced by Malusi Gigaba, another Gupta operative.

His abrupt expulsion sparked a national uproar and inspired widespread public protests against Zuma and state capture.

After confronting Zuma at an ANC national executive committee meeting, he went back to Parliament as an ordinary MP and oversaw a parliamentary investigation into Eskom.

In 2018, Ramaphosa appointed him Minister of Public Enterprises, hoping that his experience as Finance Minister would help save the destroyed parastatals after years of appropriation and corruption.

However, he had a difficult tenure in office until his retirement.

The Gordhan family have asked that their privacy be respected during this trying period.