Tributes have been pouring in for struggle stalwart, Pravin Gordhan.
Gordhan passed away in hospital on Friday morning, at the age of 75, after a short battle with cancer. He was surrounded by friends and family and passed peacefully in the early hours of Friday morning.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences to the Gordhan family; Gordhan's wife Vanitha Raju daughters Anisha and Priyesha, as well as the former Minister’s older brother, Manecklal Gordhan, and sister Shanta Harilal.
"We have lost an outstanding leader whose unassuming persona belied the depth of intellect, integrity and energy with which he undertook his activism, his duty as a parliamentarian and his roles as a member of Cabinet. 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.
"As we mourn his passing, we remain grateful for his life of sacrifice and service and his sustained striving for the realisation of the vision and dictates of our Constitution. We carry his family in our thoughts and prayers at this time," Ramaphosa said.
Premier Alan Winde has also extended condolences to Gordhan’s family and loved ones.
Former Public Protector, Prof Thuli Madonsela, said she was shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Gordhan’s passing.
"He worked selflessly to help bring about democracy and did a stellar job in making South African Revenue Service (Sars) a world class institution. Heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues,“ she shared.
“During his tenure as Minister of Finance, Gordhan was known for his firm stance on fiscal discipline and his fight against corruption, notably standing against the forces of state capture. His leadership at Sars helped strengthen tax collection and improve the country’s revenue base. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time,” added ActionSA’s Herman Mashaba.
“On behalf of ANC Veterans League, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and the Movement of our dear comrade and veteran Pravin Gordhan, PG. He has served his country with dedication and distinction. May his atma attain moksha,” said Ilva Mackay Langa of the ANC Veterans League.
I am saddened by the passing of Pravin Gordhan and extend my heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. He blazed the trail of modernisation and digital transformation at SARS that Home Affairs now wishes to build on, over a decade later. That is a testament to his legacy.
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