By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) has wished veteran party member Pravin Gordhan a “swift and complete recovery” in response to reports that he had been admitted to the hospital.
On Thursday morning, Gordhan’s daughter, Anisha, confirmed that her father had not passed on after several messages began circulating on social media on Wednesday morning about his death.
In a statement issued by the ANC’s national spokesperson Zuko Godlimpi, the ANC said it has noted a statement issued by the family of Comrade Pravin Gordhan regarding his admission in hospital.
The ANC would like to extend its heartfelt wishes for a swift and complete recovery to former ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) member and veteran of our movement Comrade Pravin Gordhan,” said Godlimpi.
He said that the party has the family in its thoughts and prayers as the former minister experiences health challenges and that it is confident that “the strength and determination [Gordhan] possesses will see him through this period”.
“We look forward to his full recovery to health and continued contribution to our movement and service to the country,” said Godlimpi.
News of Gordhan being hospitalised made headlines late on Tuesday evening when his family issued a statement which said that the minister was being admitted to hospital where he would be receiving treatment.
Meanwhile the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation has hailed Gordhan as a champion against corruption, who endured massive push-back against the campaign to clean governance and anti-corruption drive.
At a candlelight vigil for Gordhan held at the Flame of Democracy at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg on Wednesday night, Neeshan Balton, executive director of Ahmed Kathrada Foundation heaped praises on Gordhan, wishing him well as he is admitted in hospital.
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.
75-year-old Gordhan has held numerous powerful leadership positions before retiring from active politics earlier this year.
His positions have included Minister of Public Enterprises from February 2018 until June 2024, Minister of Finance from May 2009 to May 2014, and Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs from 2014 until 2015.