PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA PAYS LAST RESPECTS TO PRAVIN GORDHAN AT SPECIAL OFFICIAL FUNERAL
By Thulane Madalane
Durban :The nation gathered on Thursday at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) to bid farewell to former minister Pravin Gordhan, who passed away on Friday the age of 75 after battling with cancer. In recognition of his invaluable contributions to South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that Gordhan will be honored with a Special Official Funeral Category 2. President Ramaphosa described Gordhan as someone who understood and knew the cost of the struggle, He was one of those rare people who knew the cost of struggle.” President Ramaphosa’s friendship with the late pharmacist by profession who graduated from the University of Durban-Westville with a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. Where he completed his pharmacy internship at King Edward King Edward VIII Hospital in 1974 and worked there until 1981, was a Special one as he accentuated the value of their moments together, “I will miss our many discussions over many hours, and the telephone conversations late into the night. I valued his frankness and forthrightness.” He said.
The funeral service, attended by dignitaries, comrades, and members of the public, featured ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service, a fitting tribute to a man whose life was punctuated by dedicated public service.
Pravin Gordhan’s legacy includes pivotal roles in South African governance, having served as Minister of Finance from 2009 to 2014 and again from 2015 to 2017. He also held the positions of Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and Minister of Public Enterprises. His notable contributions began earlier in his career when he was appointed as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in 1999.
Following his passing, memorial services have been held in both Gauteng and Durban, underscoring the deep impact he made during his lifetime. At a memorial service hosted by the ANC on Wednesday evening at Kendra Hall in Durban, ANC provincial chair Siboniso Duma spoke of the strong emotions stirred by Gordhan’s departure.
“Judging by accounts shared by fellow comrades, diplomats, and ordinary members of society, it is clear that the whole country has been shaken by the departure of Comrade Pravin Gordhan,” Duma stated. He highlighted some of Gordhan’s most admirable qualities, including his ability to persuade, his disciplined approach to thought and action, his fearlessness in leadership, and his openness to advice.
As South Africa grapples with Gordhan’s loss, his contributions to the financial sector and public service will continue to resonate within the hearts of many. President Ramaphosa’s attendance marks a profound acknowledgment of a life devoted to the betterment of the nation.
In this moment of mourning, citizens reflect on Gordhan’s enduring legacy and the values he instilled in both colleagues and the nation at large. Pravin Gordhan survived by his wife Vanitha Raju and two children.
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