The Presidency in South Africa has announced details of the special funeral for Pravin Gordhan, the ex-cabinet minister who passed away after a battle with cancer at the age of 75.
The office of Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of SA, announced that Gordhan will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 on Thursday, 19 September 2024.
In a statement, the Presidency said the funeral service for Gordhan will take place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban at 10h00 on Thursday, 19 September 2024.
Gordhan served as Minister of Finance from 2009 until 2014 and again from 2015 until 2017. He also served as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs from 2014 until 2015, and as Minister of Public Enterprises from February 2018 until his March 2024 announcement of planned retirement. He was appointed as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service in 1999, after a period as Deputy Commissioner.
The Special Official Funeral Category 2 will entail ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service. The funeral service will be followed by a private cremation. “Mr Gordhan’s family has requested that in lieu of floral tributes, mourners offer donations to charities of their choice, or the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation,” the Presidency statement said.
Gordhan served as Minister of Finance from 2009 until 2014 and again from 2015 until 2017.
He also served as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs from 2014 until 2015, and as Minister of Public Enterprises from February 2018 until his March 2024 announcement of planned retirement. Gordhan was appointed as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service in 1999, after a period as Deputy Commissioner.
The Presidency said Gordan’s 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.
In a statement, the Presidency said: “President Ramaphosa has offered his deep condolences to Gordhan’s spouse, Vanitha Raju, daughters Anisha and Priyesha, as well as the former Minister’s older brother, Manecklal Gordhan, and sister Shanta Harilal.
“The President’s thoughts are also with the former Minister’s extended family, comrades, associates and organisations with whom he established relationships as a family and community member, freedom fighter, public sector executive and Member of the National Executive. President Ramaphosa, who visited Mr Gordhan in his final hours, has paid tribute to the former Minister as a leader who had fought to liberate South Africa from the shackles of apartheid, from inequality, from poverty and from hunger. The President said Mr Gordhan had been driven by a vision of a society in which all people may achieve their full potential and in which all may realise their dreams.”
Tributes have flooded in following the passing of Gordhan. Many have praised Gordhan for his strong and uncompromising stance against the capture of government by corrupt forces. His resolute opposition to state capture during the Zuma era has been hailed as a defining moment in South Africa’s post-apartheid history.
Gordhan’s life was a testament to the power of principled leadership and unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy and good governance. From his early days as an anti-apartheid activist to his role as the founding commissioner of the SARS and his tenure as finance minister, Gordhan consistently demonstrated a fierce dedication to the betterment of South Africa.
As the architect of SARS, Gordhan transformed the agency into a world-class institution, significantly improving tax collection and enabling the government to expand crucial services in health, education, and infrastructure. His efforts were instrumental in addressing the country’s apartheid legacy and improving the lives of millions of South Africans.
Gordhan’s most enduring legacy, perhaps, was his steadfast resistance to state capture. During his second stint as finance minister from 2015 to 2017, he stood as a bulwark against the corrupt forces seeking to plunder the nation’s resources. Despite facing vicious attacks and racial slurs, Gordhan remained resolute, becoming a symbol of integrity and courage in the face of overwhelming pressure.
Even in his final political role as Minister of Public Enterprises, Gordhan continued to grapple with the complex challenges facing South Africa’s parastatals, always striving to root out corruption and improve performance.
As news of his passing spread, colleagues, friends, and citizens alike shared memories of a man who never wavered in his commitment to South Africa. His family’s statement that Gordhan had “no regrets” about his contributions to the country resonates deeply with those who knew him and the millions who benefited from his service.
Gordhan’s passing marks the end of an era in South African politics. His legacy as a freedom fighter, a skilled technocrat, and an incorruptible public servant will continue to inspire future generations. South Africa has lost a true patriot, but his unwavering dedication to justice, equality, and good governance will forever be etched in the nation’s history.
As the country mourns, it also celebrates a life lived in service of others – a life that truly embodied the spirit of “Batho Pele” (People First). Pravin Gordhan’s contribution to South Africa’s democracy and his tireless fight against corruption will be remembered as a shining example of leadership and integrity for years to come.
