Pravin Gordhan, the Indian-origin former finance minister of South Africa, has died at the age of 75 after a prolonged battle with cancer. His family announced that he passed away early Friday morning in the hospital, surrounded by his loved ones, close friends, and comrades from the anti-apartheid movement. Gordhan was a prominent figure in South African politics, serving in various key government positions since the country transitioned to democracy in 1994.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep sorrow over Gordhan’s death, describing him as a lifelong activist and leader of great intellect, integrity, and energy. “We have lost an outstanding leader,” Ramaphosa stated, highlighting Gordhan’s personal sacrifices and achievements, which shaped his role as a parliamentarian and cabinet member.
Early Life and Political Beginnings
Born in Durban in 1949, Gordhan graduated with a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Durban-Westville. He began his career at King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban, where he worked from 1974 to 1981. During his university years, Gordhan joined the anti-apartheid Natal Indian Congress and became actively involved with the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party.
Throughout the 1980s, Gordhan was repeatedly arrested for his activism against apartheid. He played a critical role in South Africa’s peaceful transition to democracy, becoming a member of parliament in 1994 following Nelson Mandela’s historic election.
Career in Public Service
From 1999 to 2009, Gordhan served as the head of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), where he was credited with transforming the organization into a highly efficient tax and customs service. He went on to hold the position of finance minister twice—first from 2009 to 2014 and again from 2015 to 2017. His tenure as finance minister was marked by his firm stance against corruption within the government.
Gordhan was appointed as minister of public enterprises from 2018 to 2024, overseeing several troubled state-owned enterprises, including the electricity monopoly Eskom and South African Airways. Despite his efforts to root out corruption, many of these enterprises remained in financial distress upon his retirement.
Legacy
Pravin Gordhan is remembered for his unwavering commitment to South Africa’s liberation struggle, his integrity, and his outspoken opposition to corruption. He is survived by his wife, Vanitha, and their two daughters, Anisha and Priyesha.
