There’s been mixed reaction to Pravin Gordhan’s formidable decades of civil service.
The 75-year-old politician passed away in hospital this morning after battling cancer.
Gordhan retired from politics earlier this year, after having served in a number of government portfolios including Public Enterprises, National Treasury and Cogta.
The ANC stalwart also served as the commissioner of the South African Revenue Services (SARS) from 1999 till 2009.
While many have hailed the veteran as an outstanding leader, who was relentless in standing up against corruption, he has left a bitter taste in the mouths of some.
The ANC says Gordhan served the movement and the people of South Africa diligently from an early age.
The party’s national spokesperson, Zuko Godlimpi, says his role in the structures of the ANC such as Umkhonto Wesizwe cemented his dedication to freedom and social justice.
“Comrade Pravin played a pioneering role in the transformation of local government in the country serving as chairperson of the political committee. His selfless dedication to the values of the African National Congress (ANC) and the people’s struggle is a legacy we must uphold as we continue to advance the principles of our Freedom Charter,” adds Godlimpi.
Rise Mzansi’s leader, Songezo Zibi, believes that the late former Finance Minister was a force to be reckoned with.
“He was one of the first brave voices to stand-up against what is now known as State Capture, and mobilised support within and outside Parliament. He showed what standing for principle looks like; he led by example during some of the most difficult times.”
Zibi says amongst some of the things to honour about Gordhan is him not having stolen from the people of South Africa.
Meanwhile, controversial Durban Bishop, who recently joined former president Jacob Zuma’s MK Party (MKP), Sandile Ndlela, has accused the politician of destroying the country.
The EFF, which seems to not have been moved by the former minister’s passing, say he embodied greed, corruption and elitism.
The party has labelled his tenure as Minister of Public Enterprises as a period of unparalleled disaster for every SOE.
“We cannot mourn counter progressive forces that stood against the potential of building a successful, sovereign country that serves its people.”
The EFF says they’ve chosen to remember what they’ve termed ‘the wreckage he (Gordhan) leaves behind’.
“His unchecked power allowed him to operate with impunity, and now he dies with his crimes unpunished.”
The EFF is known to have always disrupted Gordhan’s parliamentary addresses, calling him by his middle name ‘Jamnandas’.
“We will not shed a tear for the likes of Pravin Gordhan, nor will we celebrate the false legacies created by his apologists,” says the EFF.
Gordhan will be buried in Durban on Thursday.
Various quarters of society have taken to social media to pay homage to the stalwart.
The obituary of Pravin Gordhan must never be sanitised. It must start here pic.twitter.com/ktXUJIiSzZ
The obituary of Pravin Gordhan must never be sanitized. It must start here pic.twitter.com/ktXUJIiSzZ
— Engineer Matšhela Koko, MBL (@koko_matshela) September 13, 2024
Pravin Must Rot in Hell‼️‼️‼️
His legacy is one of destruction and betrayal by leading the collapse of South Africa’s state-owned enterprises.
Gordhan will be remembered as an unapologetic instrument of capitalism, who left a trail of unemployment and poverty. #pravingordhan pic.twitter.com/w2qI2zh6ZL
— 🇿🇦 Apostle Dr Deza 🇹🇼 (@ApostleDeza) September 13, 2024
History demands a full, clear, and factual reflection. Pravin Gordhan served the people of South Africa 🇿🇦 and deserves a thank you. It’s true that the service is indeed layered but serve with distinction in some cases he did, and for that, we say siyabonga and lala kahle.
— Kgomotso Moeketsi (@KGMoeketsi) September 13, 2024
I disagreed with Pravin Gordhan politically, we saw the emancipation economically of our people from different lenses & strategy. We shared a stage before his passing and we had very good things to say about each other, you have made your contribution, thank you & Mooi loop Cadre pic.twitter.com/C6EmndXXo2
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) September 13, 2024
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… pic.twitter.com/aV53EpKWRG
— Prof Thuli Madonsela #KindnessBuilds (@ThuliMadonsela3) September 13, 2024
Pravin Gordhan hated black people with passion
So now we must pretend as if we care that hell is calling him soze pic.twitter.com/z9GFDILrb4— Skhokho (@skhokhoncube) September 12, 2024
I never liked Pravin Gordhan because of his Mafia Thuggish Corrupt style, but we must never let politics strip away our humanity by celebrating death of another human being.
RIP kodwa shame 🕊#pravingordhan pic.twitter.com/LWuQ62phRx
— Langa Lokulunga ⚪ (@Dlambulo_Bhele) September 13, 2024
Friday 13th the death of the devil #pravingordhan pic.twitter.com/5GfESMMKPM
— SizweGrey (@GreySizwe) September 13, 2024
SENTIMENTS aside, FACTS on the table: Pravin destroyed many lives, especially as minister of Public Enterprises.
The man got thousands retrenched. Leaving many unemployed, and families without breadwinners.
I don’t know about peace, but may he rest#pravingordhan pic.twitter.com/XOnfrskNel
— Minister of Loadsheding (@mrlechesa) September 13, 2024
Extremely painful and inhumane responses by some on the news of the serious illness and subsequent passing on of former minister Pravin Gordhan. Hate and bitterness are eroding our values. The ubuntu laded saying “I would not wish [something bad] on my worst enemy” ayisekho!
— Ongama Mtimka, PhD (@omtimka) September 13, 2024
This man called Pravin Gordhan was prepared to sell South Africa’s SOEs at all costs.
SAA – R57
Transfer – R28
Denell – R5
Eskom – R100
He was damn evil, swear at me if you want. Pravin sold our country to Stellies Mafia with Ramaincrease, God is eliminating one. #pravingordhan pic.twitter.com/RliDMQk6wy— Man City South Africa (@bantu_bhungane) September 12, 2024
Written by: Lindiwe Mpanza
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