While many are sympathising with Pravin Gordhan’s family following his death, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) says it has no tears to shed.
Gordhan passed away on Friday morning after he was admitted to hospital on Tuesday, 10 September.
MIXED REACTIONS TO PRAVIN GORDHAN’S DEATH
Following the news of his passing on Friday morning, condolences have been pouring in from South Africans from all walks of life. However, some social media users are seemingly celebrating his death.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and other political leaders have expressed sadness and have sent their condolences to Gordhan’s family.
Ramaphosa said the country has 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.
“In the latter years of this service to the nation, and as a beacon of our fight against corruption, Pravin Gordhan stood up to ridicule and threats emanating from some in our nation who were scorched by his insistence that justice be dispensed against those who sought to undermine our democracy and raid our public resources and assets.
“During his decades of revolutionary dedication to making South Africa a better place, Pravin Gordhan and his family were deprived of much-needed and deserved time together. As we mourn his passing, we remain grateful for his life of sacrifice and service and his sustained striving for the realisation of the vision and dictates of our Constitution,” Ramaphosa said.
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen said the former finance minister left an enormous impact at SARS and bravely stood up against corruption. We will remember his legacy of servant leadership.
Unsurprisingly, the EFF which has had some controversial remarks about Pravin Gordhan said 75-year-old was a man whose legacy is deeply intertwined with the destruction of our state-owned enterprises and the betrayal of the people of South Africa.
The party said it cannot mourn counter progressive forces that stood against the potential of building
a successful, sovereign country that serves its people.
“Gordhan was the embodiment of greed, corruption, and elitism. His tenure as minister of Public Enterprises was a period of unparalleled disaster for every state-owned enterprise he touched.
“We will not shed a tear for the likes of Pravin Gordhan, nor will we celebrate the false legacies created by his apologists. He will be remembered for his role in stifling the growth of our nation, destroying the hopes of millions, and enabling the collapse of our state entities,” the Red Berets said.
MEMORIAL SERVICE AND FUNERAL DETAILS
On Friday, President Cyril Ramaphosa also confirmed that Gordhan will get an official state funeral.
The funeral will be held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on Thursday 19 September. Thereafter, the former struggle stalwart will be cremated in a private family ceremony.
Gordhan is survived by his wife Vanitha and his daughters, Anisha and Priyesha, his brother Manecklal Gordhan and sister Shanta Harilal.
HOW WILL YOU REMEMBER PRAVIN GORDHAN?
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