On the 13th of September 2024, the Nelson Mandela Foundation in collaboration with the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation hosted a press conference on the occasion of the passing, that day, of struggle stalwart, Mr Pravin Gordhan.
The programme was chaired by Neeshan Balton, executive director of the Kathrada Foundation, and included friends, family and comrades of Mr Gordhan – Mac Maharaj, Mcebisi Jonas, Derek Hanekom, Sheila Sisulu, Mandla Nkomfe and Trevor Manuel. In the audience were esteemed stalwarts of the struggle and the ANC Veterans League along with members of the media.
Mr Gordhan’s daughter, Priyesh Gordhan, opened the proceedings by reading out a speech that Mr Gordhan delivered to the Natal Indian Congress on their 130th anniversary, earlier in September. In it, Mr Gordhan decries the moral and ethical cracks and chasms within the African National Congress (ANC). He describes it as an “epidemic of patronage that is antithetical to the ideals of a genuine democracy.”
Comrade and friend of Mr Gordhan, former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas, described Mr Gordhan as a principled freedom fighter who fought to preserve the moral authority of the ANC. Former Gauteng finance MEC Mandla Nkomfe, described Mr Gordhan as a leader who displayed humanity, compassion and loyalty even through dark times.
Former South African ambassador to the US, Sheila Sisulu said Gordhan’s role in re-establishing the integrity of the South African Revenue Services enabled the government to achieve what it was mandated to achieve, and for this, many tried to destroy him and failed.
In closing, Mr Balton read out a piece from Mr Gordhan's book where he describes himself as “just an activist that grew up in the streets of Durban,” echoing his humility and identity as a servant leader.
We will miss Mr Gordhan's leadership and compassion. Our thoughts are with the Gordhan family and the friends he leaves behind. May his soul rest in peace.