South African politician Pravin Gordhan, who served as finance minister twice, overhauled the tax service and waged a battle against corruption under a former president, died on Friday from cancer aged 75, his family said.
Gordhan is also remembered for his efforts in fighting what South Africans called “state capture” by private interests under former president Jacob Zuma. He had repeatedly warned about state corruption during his tenure as finance minister.
“Mr Gordhan passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his family, closest friends and his lifelong comrades in the liberation struggle in the early hours of this morning,” Gordhan’s family said in a statement.
He had fought “a short, courageous battle with cancer,” they said.
Gordhan’s long-time party the African National Congress reveres him for his role as an anti-apartheid activist. Gordhan was also involved in the negotiations that led to the end of white minority rule in 1994.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recounted Gordhan’s personal sacrifices and achievements in serving South Africa.
“In the latter years of this service to the nation…Pravin Gordhan stood up to derision and threats emanating from…those who sought to undermine our democracy and raid our public resources and assets,” Ramaphosa said in a statement.
Zuma faces several court proceedings over alleged corruption before and after his 2009 to 2018 presidency, charges he has vehemently denied. A judicial inquiry in 2022 highlighted systemic graft during his rule.
Gordhan held several ministerial positions in addition to his role as finance minister, including minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs and minister of public enterprises. He announced his retirement in March.
He served as commissioner of the South African Revenue Service from 1999 to 2009, and is credited with conceptualising a modern tax and customs administration.