Gordhan's legacy praised by political parties, EFF alone in criticism

Gordhan's legacy praised by political parties, EFF alone in criticism

Various political parties have conveyed their condolences to the family of former public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan following his passing on Friday morning.

Pravin Gordhan

Gordhan passed away in the early hours of Friday morning at the age of 75 following a short battle against cancer.


 


The ANC described Gordhan as a courageous soldier who dedicated his life to fighting for and serving the people of South Africa.


 


The party's national spokesperson, Zuko Godlimpi, said Gordhan served the movement and the people of South Africa from an early age.


 


"His role in the underground structures of the movement, the labour and mass democratic movement and Umkhonto weSizwe, including Operation Vula, affirmed his commitment to the cause of our people and cemented his dedication to freedom and social justice.


 


“His life was a beacon of courage, and his contributions to the fight for a non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic South Africa will forever remain etched in the annals of our history.


 


“Comrade Pravin played a pioneering role in the transformation of local government in the country, serving as chairperson of the political committee that drove the drafting of the local government chapter in the constitution and White Paper on Local Government, working closely with Comrade Vali Moosa from 1997 to 1998.


 


“The ANC calls upon all members and citizens from all walks of life to honour his memory by reaffirming their commitment to the ideals of a united, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa that truly belongs to all its peoples," said Godlimpi.


 


The DA praised his leadership as SARS commissioner and noted his role in transforming the country's revenue services into a world-class institution.


 


Deputy Chairperson of the Federal Council Ashor Sarupen said as finance minister, he stood as a bulwark against corruption, navigating the country through economic storms and protecting the treasury.


 


"Minister Gordhan’s commitment to protecting our democratic institutions, especially during his time as minister of finance, will forever be remembered as a cornerstone of his legacy. His bravery in the face of immense pressure, as he stood firm to safeguard the nation’s future, is an inspiration to all of us who strive for good governance and integrity.


 


“His life was one of service, and in the spirit of our government of national unity, his legacy reminds us of the duty we share across political divides to protect and nurture our democracy, our institutions and our constitution.


 


“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues. South Africa has lost a true patriot, a protector of its institutions, and a tireless public servant," added Sarupen.


 


 ActionSA commended him for his work during his tenure as finance minister.


 


"A longstanding public servant, his contribution to South Africa's political and economic landscape over five decades was considerable,” said ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba.


 


"During his tenure as minister of finance, Gordhan was known for his firm stance on fiscal discipline and his fight against corruption, notably standing against the forces of state capture."


 


RISE Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi highlighted Gordhan as one of the first voices to stand against state capture, mobilising support both inside and outside of Parliament.


 


"We rise to commemorate a life well lived in service of South Africa and its people. On behalf of RISE Mzansi, I wish to convey heartfelt condolences to the Gordhan family, his loved ones and friends as well as his political home, the ANC."


 


However, the EFF had a different perspective, criticising his legacy as being “deeply intertwined with the destruction of state-owned enterprises and the betrayal of the South African people”.


 


Spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys says the EFF cannot mourn “counter-progressive forces that stood against the potential of building a successful, sovereign country that serves its people”.


 


“Instead, we are reminded of the wreckage he leaves behind, a wreckage that has ravaged the lives of ordinary South Africans.


 


His rise within the ANC ranks led to his appointment as finance minister in 2009 under President Jacob Zuma, a position he held until 2014, and then again from 2015 to 2017 after briefly stepping down.


 


“However, Gordhan had already been pointed out earlier for his destructive role in the struggle for liberation when he was named by ANC President Oliver Tambo as a key member of the secret Indian cabal of the 1980s.The cabal was notorious for the prosecution of Mama Winnie Mandela, which was rejected by our people," said  Mathys.


 


 Mathys added that the SAA-Takatso deal, which Gordhan orchestrated, remained one of the most scandalous examples of how he sold out the nation's assets for private interests.


 


"The deal was inexplicable, underhanded, and deliberately designed to benefit a select few at the expense of the many.


 


“Even now, the full extent of its treachery has not been properly scrutinised because Gordhan, a man at the centre of corruption, evaded accountability at every turn," she added.


ALSO READ:

Listen to more news from Jacaranda
Jacaranda FM

Show's Stories