Pravin Gordhan Passes Away, Former Finance Minister Dies After Recent Cancer Diagnosis
- Former finance minister Pravin Gordhan passed away in a Johannesburg hospital after a recent battle with cancer
- Gordhan was one of the founding commissioners of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and an ANC stalwart
- The 75-year-old is survived by his wife, Vanitha, and two daughters, Anisha and Priyesha
Former Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan passed away on Friday, 13 September 2024.
Gordhan, who was one of the founding commissioners of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), was 75 at the time of his passing.
Source: Getty Images
According to a statement from his family, the former freedom fighter passed away peacefully in a Johannesburg hospital surrounded by family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Vanitha, and daughters, Anisha and Priyesha.
Gordhan was recently admitted to the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre in Johannesburg after being diagnosed with cancer.
At the time, his family called for privacy. Meanwhile, a candlelight vigil was held on Wednesday, 11 September, for the minister, who retired after the May General Election.
Gordhan’s tenure as Finance Minister
The 75-year-old was first appointed Minister of Finance when he replaced Trevor Manuel.
In 2014, he was moved to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs but returned to the post of finance minister the following year. He was reinstated to replace Des van Rooyen.
Van Rooyen had held the position for only four days.
In 2017, former president Jacob Zuma removed him from the post. He also served as Minister of Public Enterprises in 2018, but his tenure as head of that portfolio was largely unsuccessful.
Read also
Former Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan's family slams allegations he passed away
Gordhan retires from politics at 75
The former anti-apartheid activist retired from politics at the age of 75 after the start of the 2024 national elections.
His last few years in the political realm saw him openly speak out against state capture, which made him the target of many in the ANC, as well as other political parties like the EFF.
Tributes pour in for Gordhan
Former public protector Prof Thuli Madonsela said:
"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 colleagues #RIPPravinGordhan"
@Chriseldalewis also confirmed the news on X:
"BREAKING. Former Public Enterprises Minister #PravinGordhan has passed away, his family has announced. He was 75 years old."
@KanikiYolanda paid tribute to the late minister:
"He was an anti-apartheid activist. He didn't just do bad things, guys. When Zuma put that weekend special as finance minister, it took Gordhan to save the country. Even Juju had to cry out in Parliament about it. He's not a villain, he was a freedom fighter. MHSRIP #pravingordhan"
@i_likebrandon called on South Africans to put their differences about Gordhan aside and be respectful:
Former Tshwane Mayor Dr Murunwa Makwarela passes away
In other news, Briefly News reported in April that the City of Tshwane's ex-mayor, Dr Murunwa Makwarela, died on 23 April. His death shocked many South Africans.
According to @ewnupdates, his cause of death was not revealed. He died at the age of 52.
Makwarela's death comes one year after he appeared in court on charges of fraud.
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Source: Briefly News
