CAPE TOWN – Former Minister Pravin Gordhan, who held several key positions in South Africa’s government, passed away on Friday at the age of 75 after a short battle with cancer. Gordhan had been hospitalised on Tuesday.
Gordhan, a pharmacist by training, rose to prominence in the political sphere for his leadership of finance-related portfolios, including his role at the South African Revenue Services (SARS). However, his tenure was not without controversy, as efforts to undermine his reputation began during his time as finance minister.
After his dismissal from the role in 2017, Gordhan famously urged South Africans to “join the dots” regarding the formation of a parallel state. This phrase would become closely associated with him in the years that followed.
Viewed differently across the political spectrum, Gordhan’s legacy is seen by some as that of a figure who fought against state capture. Over his 50-year career, he held various ministerial portfolios, including finance, cooperative governance, and public enterprises. These positions often placed him at odds with both opponents and members of his own party.
In reflecting on his career during an interview in June, Gordhan humorously remarked that he had been given some of the toughest jobs in government.
Gordhan first became finance minister in 2009, following the global financial crisis. He returned to the position in 2015, but in 2016 faced scrutiny from the Hawks over an alleged “rogue unit” established during his time at SARS. He was removed from office by former President Jacob Zuma in 2017, amid accusations of meeting with foreign business people, in an effort to undermine Zuma.
After his dismissal, Gordhan encouraged the public to recognize the signs of state capture, using the phrase “join the dots.” This narrative was a focal point of his testimony at the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture in 2018, where he reflected on the challenges he faced during his time in office.
In 2021, the Constitutional Court dismissed an appeal related to the so-called “rogue unit”, ending a prolonged legal battle. Despite the controversy, Gordhan continued to speak out on the impact of state capture on South Africa’s institutions.
In his final role as Minister of Public Enterprises, Gordhan took on the difficult task of addressing the damage caused by state capture. He faced criticism from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who filed a complaint with the Public Protector and challenged his actions in Parliament, including attempts to block him from delivering his budget speech.
Gordhan was also criticised for his decisions regarding state-owned enterprises, such as the appointment of André de Ruyter as Eskom CEO and failed private equity talks for South African Airways (SAA). Despite these challenges, he remained focused on his work and was unfased by the opposition.
Gordon said at this time: “My main focus is to do my job. “If people want to criticise me, it doesn’t bother me. I don’t lose sleep over it.”
Gordhan’s passing marks the end of a long and influential career in South African politics, leaving behind a complex and debated legacy.
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