Fellow politicians and others on Friday expressed their deepest condolences on the passing of former Minister of Public Enterprises and South African Revenue Service (Sars) Commissioner Pravin Gordhan.

Gordhan passed away at the age of 75 in the early hours of Friday morning, following a period of illness.

He passed away peacefully in hospital with his family, closest friends and his lifelong comrades in the liberation struggle, according to a statement.

President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed sadness at Gordhan’s passing, saying South Africa had lost an “outstanding leader whose unassuming persona belied the depth of intellect, integrity and the energy with which he undertook his activism, his duty as a parliamentarian and his roles as a member of Cabinet.”

Gordhan served as Minister of Finance from 2009 until 2014 and again from 2015 until 2017.

He also served as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs from 2014 until 2015, and as Minister of Public Enterprises from February 2018 until his March 2024 announcement of planned retirement.

He was appointed Commissioner of Sars in 1999, after a period as Deputy Commissioner.

“Pravin Gordhan’s personal sacrifices and his endeavours and achievements in various sectors of our society endowed him with the insights, empathy and resilience that fuelled his service to the nation,” said Ramaphosa.

He further highlighted Gordhan’s service to the nation as a beacon in the country’s fight against corruption by standing up to corruption-marred former President Jacob Zuma. Ramaphosa noted Gordhan’s steeliness in the face of derision and threats emanating from some “who were scorched” by his insistence that justice be served on those who tried to undermine the country’s democracy by raiding public resources and assets.

Ramaphosa offered his deep condolences to Gordhan’s spouse, Vanitha Raju, daughters Anisha and Priyesha, as well as the former Minister’s older brother Manecklal Gordhan, and sister Shanta Harilal.

The African National Congress (ANC) urged its members and citizens to honour Gordhan’s 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".

ANC acting national spokesperson Zuko Godlimpi said Gordhan's "selfless dedication" to the values of the party and the people’s struggle was a legacy the ANC must uphold as it continued to advance the principles of its Freedom Charter.

He said Gordhan’s passing served as a solemn reminder that the work to transform South Africa was far from complete.

"Let us draw inspiration from his courage, dedication and unwavering resolve, as we continue our collective efforts to build a better, united and prosperous nation," he said. 

Democratic Alliance Federal Council deputy chairperson Ashor Sarupen noted Gordhan’s leadership as Sars Commissioner, which he said transformed the country’s revenue services into a world-class institution, setting a foundation for economic stability and social upliftment.

“As Finance Minister, he stood as a bulwark against corruption, navigating the country through economic storms and protecting the treasury as part of the fight against State capture,” Sarupen said.

He pointed out Gordhan’s commitment to protecting democratic institutions, particularly during his time as Minister of Finance, and said this would 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,” Sarupen said.

ActionSA president Herman Mashaba extended his condolences to Gordhan’s loved ones, noting his contribution to South Africa’s political and economic landscape over five decades, which he said was considerable.

RISE Mzansi national leader Songezo Zibi said his party would commemorate a life well lived in service of the country and its people, noting that Gordhan was one of the “first brave voices” to stand up against State capture, and mobilised support within and outside Parliament.

“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,” he said.

GOOD Leader Patricia de Lille said Gordon spent most of his life fighting against, what she termed, injustice that compromised the goal of a free and better South Africa for all, highlighting that his leadership during the transition to democracy and later in the public sector reflected “unwavering integrity and dedication to his country”.

De Lille said South Africa had lost a leader whose “deep loyalty to the country’s Constitution will never be forgotten”.

African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) Parliamentary Whip Steve Swart said Gordhan led in an exemplary manner in many roles he held in public office and he was one of the few people who stood boldly to expose and fight back against State capture.

Swart explained that several unsuccessful attempts were made to discredit him and taint his public image, but this could, and would not, diminish the character of the principled man many had come to know.

The ACDP said it would remember Gordhan as a diligent, hardworking and principled public servant who served the people with pride. 

In memory of Gordhan, the South African Communist Party (SACP) called for the intensification of non-racial efforts and urged South Africans to live the values Gordhan stood for, and to advance the transformation and development of the country in pursuit of a completely non-racial society.

SACP national spokesperson & Political Bureau secretary for policy and research Dr Alex Mohubetswane Mashilo said Gordhan’s legacy of commitment to justice, good governance and service to the people would continue to inspire future generations.

The Presiding Officers of Parliament, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane conveyed heartfelt condolences to Gordhan's family, noting his role in government, which the Presiding Officers said demonstrated an "unwavering commitment to the betterment of public institutions through ethical governance, transparency and economic reform."

The Officers highlighted that during his tenure at Sars, Gordhan served with "diligence and integrity" and, with his capable team, transformed the institution into a world-class tax and customs administration.

Trade Union Solidarity said South Africa had lost a giant.

"Solidarity worked closely with Gordhan as the Minister of Public Enterprises. He was a formidable negotiator but was also open to conversation. He genuinely put the country's interests first and hated State capture," it said.

Trade union Uasa spokesperson Abigail Moyo noted Gordhan's "unwavering support" to the labour movement, where in 2016 he expressed his commitment to the South African unemployment crisis by encouraging trade unions to help create a more constructive labour environment.

Moyo highlighted that Gordhan believed unions had a prominent role in modern South Africa, but noted that he urged them to modernise their strategies.

“They are traditionally the defenders of the poor and the jobless. Unions must once again become part of the solution by changing the negative narrative about their organisations and help spread social justice,” she said.

SOEs, BUSINESS AND CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS 

Eskom board chairperson Mteto Nyati described Gordhan as "a pivotal figure in Eskom’s transformation", noting his part 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," he said.

He further attributed the restoration of Eskom's performance to Gordhan's "strategic guidance and unwavering support".

"He consistently stood by this board, management and employees during his time as Minister. His legacy will live on through us as we rebuild a high performance and ethical Eskom," Nyati said.

Transnet's board of directors, appointed by Gordhan in July 2023, said it would remember him as a "discipled and principled leader", who believed in a higher purpose, and wanted all public servants to strive towards that.

The board said Gordhan was passionate about the vision of attaining and pursuing human excellence, ethical practices and lifting up those that had been forgotten and marginalised by society.

"He was a great champion and supporter of the board, during a time when Transnet was navigating significant changes with – inter alia – stabilising operational and financial performance and the introduction of major economic reforms. He was always ready with an attentive ear and sound advice, and showed much faith in the capabilities of the board and executive leadership of Transnet."

Business and civil society organisations also passed their condolences to Gordhan's family, his friends, colleagues and his political home the ANC, with the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) describing Gordhan as an "accessible and available" person who readily met and engaged with business and other key stakeholders.

Sacci CEO Alan Mukoki said over the years it had constructive engagements with Gordhan.

"We found him to be forthright, robust in our debates on many economic policy issues, first as Sars Commissioner, then Finance Minister and lastly as the Public Enterprises Minister. Whilst we may have areas of disagreement as is normal in any business and government relationship, we experienced Gordhan as professional, intelligent and transparent and as someone who played a pivotal role in normalising the relationship between business and government," explained Mukoki. 

Business Unity South Africa (Busa) said Gordhan’s principled leadership, resilience and dedication to the country must continue to inspire generations of South Africans, and that his legacy remained a beacon for those striving for transparency, accountability and prosperity for all.

Busa CEO Cas Coovadia described Gordhan as a man of immense integrity and dedication, saying his fight against corruption and his commitment to ethical governance in South Africa stand as examples for all citizens.

"He was not only a public servant but a true patriot who made tremendous sacrifices for our country. His efforts in working with business to address the socioeconomic issues in our country, as well as upholding the values of democracy have left a legacy that will inspire future generations. I had the honour of knowing Pravin as a comrade, a friend, and a colleague from our work in the struggle for democracy up to Pravin’s roles in government. His leadership qualities in all phases of our work together stood out for his demands on ethical behaviour and empirically based deliberations, with a consistent commitment to our country and all our people," said Coovadia. 

Busa CEO designate Khulekani Mathe said Gordhan’s leadership was a guiding light in turbulent times, noting his commitment to economic reform and good governance, which he said ensured South Africa remained on the path toward a more inclusive and stable economy.

Mathe added that his courage in the face of adversity and his principled stand on ethics would continue to inspire those in leadership to strive for the highest standards of public service.

Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) CEO Busi Mavuso said Gordhan showed deep integrity and a clear vision of what civil service should be and said he was a bulwark against State capture and played a crucial role in stemming the looting of the State during the Zuma presidency.

Mavuso highlighted that Gordhan was a committed patriot whose intentions were impeccable.

“He was part of the crop of politicians who came into government really to serve South Africans and uplift the country. You would not always agree with his views, but his intentions were unquestionable. He really served this country with distinction," she said. 

Mavuso stated that Gordhan would go down in history as a "highly capable and dedicated servant" of South Africa, whose influence really did leave the country better off.

“You couldn't fault him on his love for the country, his dedication to the country, and patriotism to the country. He was a public servant in the true sense of the word, and he did a stellar job in serving South Africa. His passing is a significant loss, as he served the nation to the best of his abilities. I don’t know if they still make public servants like him anymore," she noted. 

"Gordhan will be remembered as a great communicator. He was able to argue his standpoint effectively and persuasively. This served him well as a leader, activist, Commissioner and Minister," said the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation. 

The Foundation explained that Gordhan was an eternal optimist, noting that despite the difficulties that he confronted in his diverse roles, he retained a deep and profound sense of hope – the idea that people and institutions have the ability and capacity to improve their dire circumstances.