Pravin Gordhan is being remembered for having a no-nonsense approach and suffering no fools on the day of his passing after a battle with cancer that ended his life just months after retiring from politics after 50 years of service.
His family announced on Friday morning that he had passed away peacefully in hospital.
The May 29 general elections marked the end of an era for Gordhan, who retired at 74.
Former finance minister Nhlanhla Nene said Gordhan gave his life in service.
“He dedicated his entire life to serving the nation. His unwavering commitment to the struggle for liberation of the oppressed was demonstrated pre- and during our democracy. He fought apartheid, and was instrumental in ushering in democracy and served with distinction as commissioner of Sars [SA Revenue Service] and as minister. He fought corruption and stood for good governance. He led the charge to expose and fight state capture until the bitter end. I was privileged to have worked with him and learnt a lot from him. He fought a good fight,” Nene said.
The leadership of Sars his contribution to building institutions of state is central to his legacy.
“The contribution of Pravin Gordhan may never be truly understood and appreciated by millions of South Africans. For those of us who have had the privilege to work very closely with him, and really got to know him, we will have learnt that he is a man who is truly committed to [contribute] to changing the quality of life of South Africans,” Sars commissioner Edward Kieswetter said.
He fought corruption and stood for good governance. He led the charge to expose and fight state capture until the bitter end.
— Former finance minister Nhlanhla Nene
Business leaders said they remained in awe of Gordhan.
“Pravin was an exemplary leader in the anti-apartheid movement and in government. Critical elements of Pravin, as a person, comrade and leader, were his steadfast adherence to sound moral values, his total commitment to country and his consistent stand against corruption. The country will always remember Pravin’s leadership and bravery in his consistent fight against corruption and state capture. We honour a comrade, leader and amazing human being, and aspire to follow his exemplary leadership,” Business Leadership SA’s Cas Coovadia said.
Arguably Gordhan’s most trusted aid and former spokesperson, Adrian Lackay, also spoke from the heart after being at his former boss’s side in his last days.
“He was a principled individual. We learnt to stand together as a team and continue the fight for justice and truth. What I will remember is Pravin’s courage in his last moments that leads me believe I will never lose hope in the future of this country,” Lackay said.
The ANC reflected on how all South Africans could best commemorate Gordhan’s death.
“His passing serves as a solemn reminder that the work to transform SA is far from complete. Let us draw inspiration from his courage, dedication and unwavering resolve, as we continue our collective efforts to build a better, united and prosperous nation,” the ANC said in a statement.
The DA, meanwhile, said it was also saddened by the loss of Gordhan.
We will remember him for his frank, no-nonsense approach, his focus on clean governance, and his drive to change our country for the better.
— Andile Sangqu, Transnet board chairperson
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Pravin Gordhan. During the height of state capture he was one of the few within his party willing to speak out against what was going on. His tenure as Sars commissioner transformed the institution into a world-class revenue collector. Though we did not always agree on all matters, he was always willing to engage and was a keen debater. He came under unfair and petty attack from the EFF and I think it is a tribute to the respect he commanded that when the EFF tried to physically remove him from the podium in parliament, it was members of the opposition that surrounded the podium to protect him,” DA leader John Steenhuisen said.
The Transnet board said Gordhan was “great champion and supporter” of the board, during a time when Transnet was navigating significant changes with ... stabilising operational and financial performance and the introduction of major economic reforms.
“We worked well with Mr Gordhan in an open, transparent and honest way. There was deep resonance between the board and executives at the level of values, integrity and passion for doing what is right and what is good for the economy and the people of SA. This is indeed a great loss to the country, the Transnet board and Transnet family broadly,” said Transnet board chairperson Andile Sangqu.
“We will remember him for his frank, no-nonsense approach, his focus on clean governance, and his drive to change our country for the better,” he said.
Interim SAA chair John Lamola said Gordhan’s love for SAA as a state asset during his tenure as both finance minister and later as public enterprises minister was unquestionable.
“This was ably demonstrated in our many times of working with him to save the airline during business rescue, and the challenging Covid-19 days. His support for our work as SAA executives was steadfast, even in the most difficult of moments, he carried the torch for the survival of the national carrier until his last days. His most abiding legacy will be his exemplary selfless service to SA, a patriot extraordinaire, a democrat, disciplinarian [and] a champion of human rights. His watchful eye and sharp intellect will be missed,” Lamola said.
Eskom said Gordhan’s vision, outlined in the 2019 department of public enterprises’ “Roadmap for Eskom in a Reformed Electricity Supply Industry”, led to the creation of the National Transmission Company SA, which began operations in July 2024. “On behalf of the Eskom board, executives and all staff, I would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr Pravin Gordhan. His strategic guidance and unwavering support were essential to the current board’s efforts to restore Eskom’s performance. He consistently stood by this board, management, and employees during his time as minister. His legacy will live on through us as we rebuild a high-performance and ethical Eskom,” said Eskom board chairperson Mteto Nyati.
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