Former Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan passed away at the age of 75 this morning after a recent cancer diagnosis, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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The news was announced just a day after his family’s spokesperson had to debunk rumours about his death.
IOL reported that he was admitted to Netcare Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg earlier this week, though the reasons therefore were unknown.
According to a family statement, Gordhan ‘passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his family, closest friends and his lifelong comrades in the liberation struggle.’
Shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former minister and struggle stalwart Pravin Gordhan. He worked selflessly to help bring about democracy and did a stellar job in making SARS a world class institution. Heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and… pic.twitter.com/aV53EpKWRG
— Prof Thuli Madonsela #KindnessBuilds (@ThuliMadonsela3) September 13, 2024
He is survived by his wife Vanitha and daughters Anisha and Priyesha.
The former freedom fighter and pharmacist retired from politics in May after a long career.
He faced harsh criticism and racial attacks for his staunch opposition to state capture under former president Jacob Zuma and the Gupta family, News24 reports.
As finance minister from December 2015 to March 2017, he was a key defender against corruption efforts targeting state institutions like the National Treasury and the South African Reserve Bank.
However, he faced difficulties in his final position as minister of public enterprises, including struggles to improve parastatals like Eskom and unsuccessful attempts to privatise SAA.
The statement included a message from Gordhan to his friends and family, stating that he had ‘no regrets, no regrets…We have made our contribution.’
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Picture: OJ Koloti / Gallo Images