Indian-origin South African Minister, anti-apartheid activist Pravin Gordhan dies at 75

Johannesburg: Pravin Gordhan, a prominent South African political figure who spent years in government and played a key role in the fight against apartheid, has passed away at the age of 75. Gordhan had been battling cancer.

A dedicated member of the African National Congress (ANC), Gordhan retired from active politics after the May elections, which marked the first time the ANC lost its parliamentary majority since it came into power in 1994.

“Mr. Gordhan passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his family, closest friends and his long-time comrades in the liberation struggle in the early hours of this morning,” his family said in a statement early Friday following his death after being hospitalised this week.

“We have lost an outstanding leader whose unassuming persona belied the depth of intellect, integrity and energy with which he undertook his activism, his duty as a parliamentarian and his roles as a member of Cabinet,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement.

Gordhan's political activism began in his teenage years when he joined the struggle against apartheid. In the 1980s, he became involved with the ANC's underground operations.

He was a key negotiator during South Africa's transition to a democratic system and became a member of parliament in 1994, following Nelson Mandela’s election as the country’s first democratically elected president.

Gordhan’s last government role was as Minister of Public Enterprises from 2018 to 2024, overseeing state-owned companies. He also served two terms as Finance Minister, from 2009 to 2014 and again from 2015 to 2017. Prior to that, from 1999 to 2009, he led the South African Revenue Service, where he was praised for transforming it into a top-tier tax and customs agency.

Known for his strong stance against corruption, Gordhan was an outspoken critic of former President Jacob Zuma's leadership while still serving in his Cabinet.

Agency