The late Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan’s official funeral is scheduled to be held in Durban, on Thursday 19 September 2024.
The 75-year-old died in hospital during the early hours of Friday morning, following a battle with cancer. President Cyril Ramaphosa has granted him an official funeral. Affectionately known as “PG”, he previously served as Minister of Finance, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and commissioner of the South African Revenue Service.
Friday afternoon, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation hosted a media briefing on behalf of the Gordhan family. The organisation’s executive director, Neeshan Balton shed light on when the anti-apartheid veteran will be laid to rest.
“The funeral will take place on Thursday, in Durban, and it will be an official funeral. It will be followed by a private cremation,” said Balton.
HIS FINAL SPEECH
Gordhan’s daughter, Priyesha Gordhan took to the podium to share his final speech he had prepared for the 130th anniversary of the Natal Indian Congress, which he was unable to attend on Sunday, due to his ailing health.
“Democracy will not survive on its own. Democracy must be constantly secured and enhanced. In many parts of the world, democracy is being undermined by right-wing populism, mass inequality, identity politics, geo-political tensions, and authoritarianism,” said Gordhan.
Shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former minister and struggle stalwart Pravin Gordhan. He worked selflessly to help bring about democracy and did a stellar job in making SARS a world class institution. Heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and… pic.twitter.com/aV53EpKWRG
— Prof Thuli Madonsela #KindnessBuilds (@ThuliMadonsela3) September 13, 2024
ANC stalwart Mcebisi Jonas was one of those who visited Gordhan during his final moments. He says the late minister was lambasted:
“PG suffered. He suffered personally. His family suffered. He was demonized by many. Demonized to a point where even racial slurs were thrown at him,” Jonas reflected.
‘WITHOUT REGRETS’
Another one of his close allies, Trevor Manuel also shared his sentiments. The anti-apartheid activist served three terms as the Minister of Finance:
“Right at the very end, I was privileged to visit him in the ward, on Tuesday. I went in with Mcebisi and he looked at us and laughed and said ‘hey, broers, you are here. Thank you very much for coming. And then he said, with the greatest courage, as you can see the end is nigh’. And so, as he lived with courage of conviction, without regrets about the path that he chose in life, right to the very end, Pravin was able to demonstrate the same determination, the same singleness of purpose in the way in which he addressed issues,” said Manuel.
President @CyrilRamaphosa is deeply saddened by the passing of lifelong activist and former Minister of Public Enterprises Mr Pravin Gordhan, who has passed away at the age of 75, following a period of illness. https://t.co/vW8raAgZ6B
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) September 13, 2024
More details regarding Gordhan’s funeral will be shared by the Presidency in the coming days.
