Fatshimetrie is proud to bring you a poignant account of the eulogy delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the funeral of former Minister Pravin Gordhan. The commemoration ceremony was marked by heartfelt testimonies and profound reflections on Gordhan’s legacy and commitment to democracy and integrity.
At this solemn event, former Minister Mac Maharaj stressed the importance of the ANC reforming itself to combat state capture and corruption. He highlighted the unfinished battle to bring those responsible for these wrongdoings to justice and urged the strengthening of state institutions, the encouragement of media transparency and the promotion of an active civil society to ensure accountability and participatory democracy.
Maharaj recalled Pravin Gordhan’s unwavering commitment, alongside his colleagues at the Treasury and the South African Revenue Service, to protect the country from the threat of state capture. Their resilience was crucial in preventing South Africa from descending into a corrupt and failed regime.
A visibly moved President Ramaphosa said that the greatest tribute we can pay to Pravin Gordhan is to draw inspiration from his example and to question our own commitment to the well-being of the people and the nation. He highlighted Gordhan’s moral courage and unwavering dedication to democratic values.
Jonas, in a moving testimony, highlighted Gordhan’s strength of character and determination in the face of state capture, despite his marginalisation within the party to which he had dedicated his life. He commended his sacrifice in agreeing to take charge of state-owned enterprises to free them from the grip of corruption.
Gordhan’s vision for a people’s movement for social cohesion and building a better future resonates as a call to action for a new generation of leaders. His legacy of integrity and determination must inspire a rethinking of state institutions to meet the expectations of a society in search of renewal and innovation.
In conclusion, the strong message delivered during this funeral is that of the collective responsibility to preserve Pravin Gordhan’s legacy by continuing the fight for transparent and ethical governance. It is a call to action for everyone, at their level, to contribute to building a better future for our country and for future generations. By following Gordhan’s example of courage and integrity, we will be able to overcome the obstacles that stand in our way and build a more just and equitable society for all.