“Pravin Gordhan: A Life of Activism and Integrity, from Fighting Apartheid to Combating Corruption 🇿🇦🕊️”

Pravin Gordhan, a key figure in South Africa’s fight against apartheid and state corruption, passed away at 75 after a brief battle with cancer. Gordhan’s journey from anti-apartheid activist in the 1970s to a top government official in post-apartheid South Africa was marked by his unwavering dedication to justice and integrity. As South Africa’s finance minister and head of the South African Revenue Service, Gordhan played a critical role in modernizing the country’s tax system, which helped fund crucial pro-poor programs. His fight against corruption, particularly under former president Jacob Zuma, made him a symbol of resistance against state capture. Despite being fired twice as finance minister by Zuma, Gordhan continued to campaign for reform and justice, eventually supporting President Cyril Ramaphosa’s successful rise to power in 2018.

Gordhan’s legacy is one of tireless activism, never shying away from confrontations with corrupt power structures. His work as finance minister ensured South Africa’s financial stability, while his leadership in state-owned enterprises was crucial in addressing the country’s energy crisis. His death comes just months after his retirement, leaving behind a lasting impact on South Africa’s political and economic landscape. President Ramaphosa hailed Gordhan as a beacon in the fight against corruption, underscoring his legacy as a lifelong activist committed to South Africa’s transformation.