Pravin Gordhan (1949–2024)

12 April 1949–13 September 2024.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) mourns the passing of anti-apartheid stalwart, Pravin Gordhan – a man of truth, a courageous leader whose relentless fight against the brutal apartheid regime will be etched in South Africa’s history for generations to come.

Gordhan passed away in hospital during the early hours of Friday, 13 September surrounded by his loved ones. He was 75.

In honour and recognition of his selfless contribution and dedication to building a free and democratic South Africa, UCT awarded Gordhan with a Doctor of Law (honoris causa) in 2007. At the time, he served as the founding commissioner of the South African Revenue Services (SARS).

A life of service

Gordhan led a life of service. He cut his political teeth in the South African student movement, where he led peaceful struggles against racial segregation and inferior education. He trained as a pharmacist at the then University of Durban-Westville (now part of the University of KwaZulu-Natal) and worked briefly at the King Edward Hospital in Durban before his arrest for his involvement in the struggle for liberation.

In the 1980s he was handpicked to join uMkhonto weSizwes Operation Vula and was appointed secretary of the operation. Between 1991 and 1994, Gordhan moved from activist to senior negotiator when he chaired the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) Management Committee – the body that played a crucial role in steering South Africa to democracy. He also acted as co-chair of the Transitional Executive Council, the governance structure that administered the country’s transition process prior to the first, democratic election in 1994.

He twice served as finance minister in the National Treasury, as well as the minister of public enterprises, before his retirement from politics after the national elections in May.

Gordhan is survived by his wife Vanitha and two daughters Anisha and Priyesha.

Lala ngoxolo, Pravin Gordhan.