President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast from this morning until Thursday evening, in honour of struggle stalwart and cabinet veteran, Pravin Gordhan.
Former Minister Gordhan passed away in the early hours of Friday, at the age of 75, following a period of illness.
Ramaphosa has declared that Gordhan will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 on Thursday 19th September. In a statement the Presidency says the Special Official Funeral will encompass ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service and more details will be made available in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Freedom Under Law (FUL), an organisation with the aim of promoting democracy, says the late minister should be remembered as a brave and courageous person.
A former Public Enterprises and Finance Minister, he served the country in various positions.
Speaking on behalf of FUL, Anthony Norton the managing director at Nortons Incorporated, says Gordhan should be remembered for speaking up about corruption and state capture.
“He was prepared to stand up and be counted at critical times in our democracy. He took stances against the nuclear deal, against what was happening at SARS during Tom Moyane’s tenure, at the Zondo Commission of Inquiry under cross examination; his lasting legacy is a contribution against state capture,” says Norton.
Pravin Gordhan | President Cyril Ramaphosa expresses deep sadness
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