Public institutions mourn Gordhan, hailing legacy of leadership , reform

Gordhan has been described as a fearless public servant loyal to the people of South Africa.

Among his many roles in the public sector, Gordhan served as the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), a position he held for a decade.

He has been lauded for transforming SARS into a world-class tax and customs administration.

In a statement released Friday morning, SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter praised Gordhan for championing policies and reforms that strengthened the institution.

“The contribution of Pravin Gordhan may never be truly understood and appreciated by millions of South Africans. 

"For those of us who have had the privilege to work very closely with him, and got to know him, we will have learnt that he is a man who is truly committed to contributing to changing the quality of life of South Africans.

"His lifelong commitment to building a fair and just society for all will continue to inspire future generations of public servants and leaders.

“I will remember him as a committed social activist who dedicated his life to the struggle and the improvement of the material conditions of South Africans at a time when we were in the steely grips of state capture, it was PG who stood fearlessly for justice and equality. 

He spoke with the courage of his deep conviction and did not count the tremendous cost to him and his family,” said Kieswetter.

Gordhan was also praised by Interim SAA CEO John Lamola, who said his love for South African Airways during his tenure as both the Minister of Finance and later as Minister of Public Enterprises was unquestionable. 

"On behalf of the SAA Board, employees and broader stakeholder community, I send our deepest condolences to the Gordhan family, colleagues in government, friends and relatives during this difficult time. 

"We share the family’s sense of loss and sadness.

"Mr Gordhan’s love for SAA as a state asset during his tenure as both the Minister of Finance and later as Minister of Public Enterprises was unquestionable.

"This was ably demonstrated in our many times of working with him to save the airline during business rescue, and the challenging COVID-19 days.

"His support for our work as SAA executives was steadfast, even in the most difficult of moments, he carried the torch for the survival of the national carrier until his last days," said Lamola.

At the same time, Eskom board chair Mteto Nyati says he was a pivotal figure in the power utility's transformation, driving critical reforms that set the foundation for the utility’s future. 

"He was instrumental in initiating the legal separation of Eskom into Generation, Transmission, and Distribution entities.

"His vision, outlined in the 2019 Department of Public Enterprises Roadmap for Eskom in a reformed Electricity Supply Industry, led to the creation of the National Transmission Company South Africa, which began operations in July this year

"This marked a key milestone in South Africa’s efforts to reform the electricity sector, boost efficiency, and promote transparency.

"His strategic guidance and unwavering support were essential to the current board’s efforts to restore Eskom’s performance," said Nyati.

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