Pravin Gordhan, the former South African finance minister renowned for his reform of the country’s tax system and staunch fight against corruption, died Friday at age 75 after a brief battle with cancer, his family announced.
Gordhan, who held the finance minister post twice, from 2009 to 2014 and again from 2015 to 2017, was a central figure in South Africa’s efforts to combat the widespread corruption that plagued the government during the presidency of Jacob Zuma. His dedication to tackling what became known as “state capture” — the undue influence of private interests over state institutions — earned him both acclaim and criticism, but his legacy as a defender of public resources remains solid.
“Mr. Gordhan passed away peacefully in hospital, surrounded by his family, closest friends, and comrades in the liberation struggle, in the early hours of this morning,” the family said in a statement. The family described Gordhan’s illness as a “short, courageous battle with cancer.”
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Anti-Apartheid Activist Turned Finance Reformer
Born in 1949 in Durban, Gordhan emerged as a prominent figure in the African National Congress (ANC) during the anti-apartheid struggle. He was involved in the underground resistance against South Africa’s white-minority regime and played a crucial role in negotiations that led to the peaceful transition to democracy in 1994.
Gordhan’s contributions to the ANC and the fight against apartheid were widely acknowledged by party members and political allies. The ANC, in a statement, described Gordhan as a “dedicated servant of the people” who “sacrificed much of his life in the pursuit of freedom and justice for all South Africans.”
Following the end of apartheid, Gordhan transitioned from activism to governance, serving as commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) from 1999 to 2009. In this role, he was credited with modernizing the country’s tax and customs administration, improving efficiency, and cracking down on tax evasion. His success at SARS laid the foundation for his later appointments as finance minister, where he continued to emphasize transparency and accountability in government spending.
Battling “State Capture” Under Zuma
Gordhan’s tenure as finance minister was defined by his opposition to corruption, particularly during Zuma’s presidency. He repeatedly raised concerns about the looting of state assets by private interests closely linked to Zuma, a phenomenon that became known as state capture. Zuma’s administration, which spanned from 2009 to 2018, was marred by numerous allegations of graft and improper dealings with powerful business families, including the Guptas.
During Gordhan’s second term as finance minister, he faced mounting pressure from Zuma’s allies, but he remained steadfast in his warnings about the consequences of corruption. His refusal to bend to political pressure made him a target for criticism, but it also cemented his reputation as a public servant committed to upholding the principles of good governance.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who succeeded Zuma, paid tribute to Gordhan’s resilience in the face of intense scrutiny and threats. “In the latter years of his service to the nation, Pravin Gordhan stood up to derision and threats from those who sought to undermine our democracy and raid our public resources and assets,” Ramaphosa said in a statement.
Zuma, now facing multiple court proceedings related to corruption both during and after his presidency, has denied all charges. A judicial inquiry into state capture, released in 2022, highlighted the systemic nature of corruption during Zuma’s rule, confirming many of the concerns Gordhan had voiced.
A Lifelong Commitment to Public Service
In addition to his roles as finance minister and SARS commissioner, Gordhan served in various other ministerial positions, including as minister of public enterprises and minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs. His work across these portfolios demonstrated his deep commitment to improving the function and transparency of South Africa’s public institutions.
Gordhan announced his retirement from public service in March, citing health reasons, but remained an influential figure in South Africa’s political landscape until his death. His legacy as a principled public servant and fierce anti-corruption advocate will be remembered as a critical part of South Africa’s ongoing efforts to strengthen democracy and safeguard public resources.
He is survived by his wife, his two children, and several grandchildren. A memorial service will be held in his honor next week, according to his family.
