Pravin Gordhan, the former Minister of Public Enterprises, who died on Friday morning after a courageous battle with cancer, penned his last message to the nation from his hospital bed last week.
In the message, that he was to have delivered at the Natal Indian Congress’s 130th anniversary event on Sunday, Mr Gordhan urged society to constantly secure democracy.
“Today our task is, if I may humbly suggest, to advance the values of genuine democracy, of a democratic culture, and to ensure that the country progresses in the right direction. That its institutions of democracy, created by the Constitution, are made ‘state capture proof’. We cannot again have a National Prosecuting Authority, certain arms of law enforcement and the Public Protector’s office recaptured for abuse, by those whose only intent is to fill their own bank accounts. Democracy will not survive on its own. Democracy must be constantly secured and enhanced. In many parts of the world, democracy is being undermined by right wing populism, massive inequality, identity politics, geopolitical tensions and authoritarianism.
“We must draw a clear line between public funds and resources and private resources. Public funds must be spent to improve the standard of living of the poor, their upward economic mobility, and to build an inclusive economy. Yet what we have is a plethora of ‘extractors’, particularly at a local level: ‘tenderpreneurs’, extortionists and mafias. There are many lessons from our past. Now is the time for those that are progressive, politically and socially active in the non-governmental field – to come together to ensure that we: Build consensus around a common platform of progressive politics, not focus on ourselves, but rather on what we can do for the majority of our people and, improve the standard of living of South Africans expeditiously and ethically. Let us open a new chapter on united, progressive, mass mobilisation and campaigning which builds national unity, social cohesion and a new optimism and determination to build a better South Africa,” read the statement.
Early on Friday morning, Gordhan family spokesman Adrian Lackay released a statement confirming his death.
“Mr Gordhan passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his family, closest friends and his lifelong Comrades in the liberation struggle.”
After his retirement, Mr Gordhan fought a short, courageous battle with cancer.
“Bidding those closest to him farewell, Minister Gordhan was emphatic: ‘I have no regrets, no regrets… We have made our contribution.’”
He is survived by his wife Vanitha, and his daughters, Anisha and Priyesha.
The Gordhan family requests that their privacy be respected during this difficult time of grief.
News of the minister being hospitalised made headlines late on Tuesday evening, sparking a flood of messages of support from the government, former leaders of the now-defunct Natal Indian Congress (NIC) and ordinary citizens.
