Friends and colleagues of former minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, described him as a defender of democracy, a tenacious and dedicated leader, and revolutionist.
They offered their support for his speedy recovery.
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF) hosted an impromptu prayer vigil on Wednesday evening at Constitutional Hill, Braamfontein, following the announcement of Gordhan’s hospitalisation.
Gordhan’s family announced his admission to hospital with an undisclosed illness on Tuesday.
With placards proudly held up, Gordhan’s industry friends and former colleagues hailed him for his integrity and advocacy towards running a clean government.
The executive director of the AKF, Neeshan Balton, told guests that Gordhan was at the helm of ethical leadership during his time in government. Balton said the organisation wished the former minister a speedy recovery.
“Our purpose for gathering here is to extend our solidarity and our well wishes to his family and him. We hope he will recover and that he will continue with his work, and inspire people. Pravin played the most outstanding role with the highest ethical standards in the transition and building of democracy,” said Balton.
Social activist from Johannesburg Against Injustice (JAI), Peggy Pillay, praised Gordhan’s activism in cleaning up corruption. She said they exposed corrupt officials during the 90s when corruption was at its peak.
“It is truly a sad time for us. We hold Pravin, his family and friends in our hearts that he will recover. Our organisation was started because we came together as activists against the height of corruption knocking on the door of the treasury. Pravin took centre stage as an anti-corruption activist at that time. We were very pleased to contribute in the activism against corruption,” said Pillay.
A member of Defend Our Democracy (DOD) recalled Gordhan’s role towards the fight against Apartheid, noting he defended democracy.
The member highlighted Gordhan’s resistance to state capture.
“There are three attributes of Pravin we’d like to highlight today. He was a true defender of democracy and a liberation fighter. He stood firmly against state capture. He stood firmly against the apartheid regime, and shielded democracy from those who stood to benefit from corruption. We need to organise, educate and hold our leaders accountable,” she said.
Former colleague at the South African Revenue Service (Sars), Piet Rager, said Gordhan echoed ethical public service during his time as Sars commissioner between 1999 to 2009.
“When we worked together at Sars, he put the emphasis on public service - we are here to serve the public. He instilled an anti-corruption consciousness culture. He also stood firmly in the fight against state capture. We wish him and his family well,” said Rager.
Struggle veteran and South African ambassador to the United States of America, Sheila Sisulu, also applauded Gordhan’s service at Sars, emphasising that he led a clean office.
“I could not miss this moment (vigil). He worked so hard. I’d like to correct something: he did not work at Sars, he fixed Sars. He made sure things worked correctly when he worked in government, and he was attacked for this. Please hang in there Pravin, we wish you a steady recovery, comrade, so that you can enjoy the fruits of your work,” said Sisulu.
Many more friends paid tribute to Gordhan’s noble work in government; others reminisced about his pivotal role as an anti-apartheid student activist during his time at the National Indian Congress (NIC).
Attendants sang the national anthem to honour his work as a Struggle hero and stalwart.
The NIC 130 Organising Committee also held a prayer vigil in Durban simultaneously with the vigil at Constitutional Hill.
The Star