Sad Note: Former Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan Dies
Sad Note: Former Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan Dies. South Africa woke up to the sad news of Pravin Gordhan’s passing. The former Public Enterprise Minister, passed away on Friday after being hospitalized on Tuesday, following a short battle with cancer. He was aged 75.
On 10 September 2024, Gordhan’s family announced that he was admitted to hospital. On 12 September 2024, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula held a press conference to discuss Gordhan’s ill-health, saying that he was in a “critical condition” and receiving the best care in hospital. Gordhan passed away in the early hours of Friday, 13 September 2024. He was surrounded by his family, closest friends and his lifelong comrades in the liberation struggle.
Gordhan is survived by his wife Vanitha and their daughters Anisha and Priyesha. The family have requested that their privacy be respected during this difficult time of grief. Funeral arrangements will be shared in due course by Ahmed Kathrada Foundation on behalf of the family.
He was appointed Gordhan as Minister of Finance, succeeding Trevor Manuel, on 10 May 2009. On 25 May 2014, he was replaced by Nhlanhla Nene. He was then appointed the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, succeeding Lechesa Tsenoli.
On 14 December 2015, Gordhan was re-appointed Minister of Finance, replacing David van Rooyen who had been minister for 4 days.
In 2018, Gordhan was re-appointed to the Cabinet of President Cyril Ramaphosa as Minister of Public Enterprises, taking over from former Minister Lynne Brown. He would oversee state-owned enterprises including the likes of Eskom, SAA, Denel, among others.
Gordhan retired from politics at the end of the sixth administration of South Africa’s democratic government. His intention to retire was announced in March 2024.
