Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ The African National Congress (ANC) is South Africa‘s ruling political party, founded in 1912 to fight for the rights of black South Africans. It played a key role in ending apartheid and establishing democracy. Nelson Mandela, its most famous leader, became South Africa’s first black president in 1994. 2, a prominent South African politician and long-standing member of the African National Congress (ANC), passed away at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer. Gordhan was a key figure in South Africa’s political landscape, known for his dedication to opposing apartheid and his commitment to public service.
Gordhan’s political journey began in his teenage years when he joined the fight against the oppressive apartheid regime. In the 1980s, he became an active member of the ANC’s underground structures, and later played a crucial role in the negotiations that led to South Africa’s peaceful transition to democracy in 1994. After Nelson Mandela’s election as the first democratic president of the country, Gordhan became a member of parliament.
Over the years, Gordhan served in several important government roles. He held the position of finance minister twice, from 2009 to 2014, and again from 2015 to 2017. In this role, he earned praise for stabilizing South Africa’s economy and transforming the South African Revenue Service into a leading tax authority. He was also known for his vocal stance against corruption, particularly during the presidency of Jacob Zuma.
Gordhan’s final position in government was as the minister of public enterprises, a post he held from 2018 until his retirement in 2024. He oversaw key state-owned enterprises, continuously advocating for integrity and good governance within the public sector.
Gordhan’s death marks the loss of a respected and principled leader who dedicated his life to the betterment of South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa, in a statement following Gordhan’s passing, praised his intellect, integrity, and commitment to his nation.
