Pravin Gordhan, the former South African Minister of Finance and a prominent figure in the fight against state capture, passed away today at the age of 75, following a short battle with cancer.
His family in a statement issued this morning, said Gordhan “passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his family, closest friends and his lifelong comrades in the liberation struggle.”
Gordhan’s death marks the end of a 50-year political career, spanning multiple critical roles in South Africa’s government, most notably as the Minister of Finance during some of the country’s most turbulent years. Known for his commitment to integrity and reform, Gordhan also played a key role in South Africa’s transition to democracy, earning respect both locally and internationally for his contribution to building robust state institutions.
Gordhan, who was admitted to Johannesburg’s Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre on Wednesday, September 11, passed away two days later. His hospitalization drew the attention of many, as vigils were held in his honor, symbolizing the deep respect he garnered from his comrades and the public.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, expressing his sorrow at the passing of Gordhan in a statement issued today, hailed him as “an outstanding leader whose unassuming persona belied the depth of intellect, integrity, and energy with which he undertook his activism, his duty as a parliamentarian, and his roles as a member of Cabinet.” The President further acknowledged the personal sacrifices Gordhan made, not only for the country but also in his family life, stating, “Pravin Gordhan and his family were deprived of much needed and deserved time together.”
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A Fighter Against State Capture
Although Gordhan’s political career had many significant moments, his role in fighting corruption, especially during former President Jacob Zuma’s administration, cemented his legacy. Appointed as Finance Minister twice, first from 2009 to 2014 and again from 2015 to 2017, Gordhan became a key figure in resisting what would later be known as state capture — a period of systematic looting of state resources and corruption facilitated by the Zuma-Gupta alliance.
His courageous stand against corruption led to relentless attacks on his character and reputation. He was subjected to disinformation campaigns, legal harassment, and smear efforts, spearheaded by senior ANC figures loyal to Zuma. Despite this, Gordhan remained resolute, stating that his duty was to uphold the Constitution and protect South Africa’s democratic institutions.
A Career of Service
Gordhan’s public life began long before his time in government. Born in Durban on April 12, 1949, he was an active member of the anti-apartheid struggle, working closely with organizations such as the Natal Indian Congress and serving as a member of the African National Congress’s (ANC) underground military wing. His activism in the 1970s and 1980s, which led to multiple arrests and detentions by apartheid authorities, shaped his commitment to social justice.
During the country’s transition to democracy, Gordhan played a key role in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA), helping to negotiate the logistics of South Africa’s first free and fair election. He was later appointed the first Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in 1998, where he earned accolades for transforming the institution into one of the most efficient and transparent tax agencies globally.
Even though his last role as Minister of Public Enterprises, from 2018 to 2024, was fraught with challenges, including the continued crisis at Eskom and SAA, Gordhan’s contributions to strengthening South Africa’s institutions will be remembered.
President Ramaphosa echoed this sentiment: “As a beacon of our fight against corruption, Pravin Gordhan stood up to derision and threats emanating from some in our nation who were scorched by his insistence that justice be dispensed.”
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