Pravin Gordhan has died

Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan passed away in the early hours of Friday, 13 September, after being hospitalised earlier in the week. He was 75.

Born on 12 April 1949, Gordhan was a prominent South African politician and anti-apartheid activist.

His political career began as a young man, joining the Natal Indian Congress in 1971. He was repeatedly jailed during the struggle against apartheid, including being detained and tortured by security police in the 1980s.

He chaired the Convention for a Democratic South Africa in the early 1990s and was the co-chairman of the Transitional Executive Council, which prepared South Africa for the country’s first non-racial election on 27 April 1994.

Following the election, Gordhan became a member of parliament and chaired the parliamentary committee that focused on implementing the new Constitution and transforming local government.

In 1999, he was appointed commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (Sars), where he served for for ten years.

After his successful tenure at Sars, he served as South Africa’s minister of finance and public enterprises during different administrations.

While his time in public service was not without controversy, Gordhan will be remembered for standing firm against state capture and for his role in fighting corruption in South Africa.

He stepped down from politics at the end of the term of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s previous administration before elections were held on 29 May.

Gordhan had recently been diagnosed with cancer before being hospitalised.

“Mr Gordhan passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his family, closest friends and his lifelong comrades in the liberation struggle,” his family said in a statement.

He is survived by his wife Vanitha, and his daughters, Anisha and Priyesha.