Pravin Gordhan Passes Away at 75 After Cancer Battle
Pravin Gordhan, the former South African Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, has passed away at the age of 75 after a recent cancer diagnosis. His family confirmed that he died peacefully in a Johannesburg hospital, surrounded by loved ones, in the early hours of September 13, 2024. This news comes just a day after rumors about his health were publicly debunked by his family’s spokesperson.
Gordhan’s political career spanned over five decades, during which he became a prominent figure in South Africa’s struggle against apartheid. He was a founding member of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and served as its commissioner from 1999 to 2009. His tenure was marked by significant reforms that transformed SARS into a world-class institution.
He held the position of Minister of Finance twice, first from 2009 to 2014 and then again from December 2015 to March 2017, during which he was a staunch opponent of state capture and corruption efforts targeting key state institutions under former President Jacob Zuma. His final role in government was as Minister of Public Enterprises, where he faced challenges in revitalizing state-owned enterprises like Eskom and South African Airways.
Gordhan is survived by his wife, Vanitha, and their two daughters, Anisha and Priyesha. His family expressed their sorrow and pride in his contributions to the country, stating that he had “no regrets” about his life’s work. His passing has elicited widespread tributes from political figures and citizens alike, honoring his commitment to democracy and public service.
