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Gordhan’s passing met with sorrow and celebration

todaySeptember 13, 2024 257

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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.

 

 

Written by: Lindiwe Mpanza

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