There’s been mixed feelings following the death of the controversial former minister of Pravin Gordhan who’s family reported he succumbed to illness on Friday morning while in a hospital. The ANC, the government and political parties on the right have all hailed him as a selfless leader who stood for good and sacrificed himself for the country while on the left the likes of the Economic Freedom Fighters said his legacy is that of being anti-transformation and running down state owned enterprises.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said he was saddened by Gordhan’s passing describing him as a “lifelong activist”.
Ramaphosa also praised Gordhan’s anti-apartheid activism and a positive role he said the 75 year old played in the government. “His contribution to the public sector arose from his involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle, including his role in student and civic movements in the 1970s and ‘80s, as an executive member of the Natal Indian Congress and military military operative in the armed wing of the African National Congress.
During South Africa’s transition to democracy and in the early years of the new dispensation, Mr Gordhan played a leading role in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) multi-party dialogue and was later appointed as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Constitutional Committee,” said Ramaphosa in a statement.
“Pravin Gordhan’s personal sacrifices and his endeavours and achievements in various sectors of our society endowed him with the insights, empathy and resilience that fuelled his service to the nation.
“In the latter years of this service to the nation, and as a beacon of our fight against corruption, Pravin Gordhan stood up to derision and threats emanating from some in our nation who were scorched by his insistence that justice be dispensed against those who sought to undermine our democracy and raid our public resources and assets,” said the President.
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula wrote a tribute to Gordhan on social media platform X in which he hits back at those claiming he was not a good person or questioning his struggle credentials. Pravin Gordhan What a man What a cadre What a servant of the people When I heard about PG’s passing, I was filled with a profound sense of sadness. PG was cruel to be kind He didn’t suffer fools With him, you knew where you stood. He was loyal and shaped many people’s careers. A lot of good and bad things will be said about him But as a Sepedi proverb says, “dogs don’t bark at a stationery bike” It is sad that after giving his entire life to public service, his demise comes so soon after his retirement, said Mbalula in a post also shared by a long-time ally of Gordhan, Derrick Hannekom who is also a former minister.
The EFF has had serious disagreements with Gordhan and for the longest period the party saw him as someone who had been planted in the liberation movement by big business in order to protect white interests.
“Gordhan was the embodiment of greed, corruption, and elitism. His tenure as Minister of Public Enterprises was a period of unparalleled disaster for every state-owned enterprise he touched. Under his leadership, Eskom became a shadow of its former self, plunging this country into a permanent state of load shedding, while blackouts shattered livelihoods and businesses across the nation. Transient, which once facilitated the efficient movement of goods, is now in ruins, barely able to function. Denzel, a proud defence company, was brought to its knees, while SAA, our national airline, was sold off in a corrupt deal that reeks of treason”, said the EFF in its statement also indicating it would not pretend to have some sorrow for Gordhan.
While Godhan served in carious cabinet positions it is his role as public enterprises minister that he is remembered for and which led to many adoring him while others despised him. He has never answered for some of the allegations leveled against him including interfering in the affairs of SOEs nor explained why after so many years of dismissing the likes of Matshela Koko, Brian Molefe and Lucky Montana whom he claimed were corrupt when they served as executives in the parastatals but remain free to this day with no real charges having been put against them.
In the 19990s Gordhan was implicated in a report penned by then ANC President Oliver Tambo linking him to a divisive, potentially racist Indian cabal he said had undermined the career prospects of many black activists within the liberation movement. He was never held accountable for involvement with the faction.
Unlike the EFF, the Pan Africanist Congress, also a leftist anti transformation organization, heaped Gordhan with praise.
“Gordhan dedicated his life to public service and played a significant role in shaping South Africa’s economic landscape during a crucial period of our transition to democracy. His unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility and governance left an indelible mark on the country’s financial institutions and policies. As a leader, he embodied the principles of accountability, transparency, and integrity, always striving for the betterment of the lives of all South Africans. Throughout his career, Gordhan faced numerous challenges and adversities, yet he remained steadfast in his resolve to serve the people. His courage and resilience in the face of political pressures inspired many, and he became a symbol of hope for those who believe in the values of democracy and good governance. As we reflect on his contributions, we remember Pravin not just as a politician but as a dedicated public servant who prioritised the needs of the people above all else. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders to uphold the ideals of service and commitment to the greater good.
Gordon also served as Deputy SARS Commissioner, as Commissioner and as a minister in the portfolios of local government, finance and most recently, public enterprises. He was a key witness at the state capture commission but was found wanting when challenged to produce evidence of corruption against those he implicated and in some instances, fired from their positions in SOEs.
