President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a moving eulogy at Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan’s State funeral, lauding the late ANC leader, former minister, and anti-apartheid activist as a “humble servant of the people.” Ramaphosa described Gordhan as a steadfast figure who fought against state capture despite enduring vicious attacks, saying, “He stood up for what is right even at great personal cost to himself.”
The president emphasized Gordhan’s humility, quoting poet Rabindranath Tagore: “We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.” He added, “For all his achievements, despite his immense contribution to this country, Pravin was at all times a humble human being and activist.”
Gordhan’s pivotal role in South Africa’s peaceful transition to democracy was acknowledged, as Ramaphosa noted: “He was one of the architects of our democratic constitution.” Ramaphosa also reflected on Gordhan’s courage in speaking out against corruption, even challenging former comrades: “As many others looked away, his revolutionary consciousness demanded no less of him than that he speak out.”
Ramaphosa closed by urging others to continue Gordhan’s legacy: “Pravin Gordhan’s spear has fallen, and it is up to us to pick it up and continue with his work.”
Additional tributes were delivered by figures including Ebrahim Patel, former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, and COSATU President Zingiswa Losi. Gordhan’s daughters, Anisha and Priyesha, also shared personal memories of their father, before his coffin, draped in the national flag, was taken for a private cremation.
“Hamba kahle, Mkhonto. Om Shanti, Om Shanti,” Ramaphosa said in his final farewell to a leader who stood as a pillar of integrity and democracy.
