Eskom has joined the rest of South Africa and the global community in mourning the passing of former Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan.
Gordhan passed away in hospital in the early hours of Friday morning after a battle with cancer, his family announced. He was 75 years old.
Gordhan was Minister of Public Enterprises from February 2018 until he announced his planned retirement in March 2024.
The State-owned power utility described the former Minister as a “pivotal figure in Eskom’s transformation, driving critical reforms that set the foundation for the utility’s future”.
The organisation said he was instrumental in initiating the legal separation of Eskom into Generation, Transmission, and Distribution entities.
According to Eskom, his vision, outlined in the 2019 Department of Public Enterprises Roadmap for Eskom in a reformed Electricity Supply Industry, led to the creation of the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), which began operations in July this year.
This marked a key milestone in South Africa’s efforts to reform the electricity sector, boost efficiency, and promote transparency.
Eskom Board Chairperson, Mteto Nyati, has offered heartfelt condolences to Gordhan’s family on behalf of the Eskom Board, executives, and all staff.
“His strategic guidance and unwavering support were essential to the current Board’s efforts to restore Eskom’s performance.”
According to Nyathi, he consistently stood by the Board, management, and employees during his time as Minister.
“His legacy will live on through us as we rebuild a high-performance and ethical Eskom,” Nyati added.
Eskom has also sent its deepest sympathies to his loved ones, knowing that his contributions will forever be remembered as a vital part of South Africa’s progress.
“May his soul rest in peace,” the power utility’s statement concluded.
In a statement released on Friday morning, President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his deep condolences to Gordhan’s wife Vanitha Raju, daughters Anisha and Priyesha, the former Minister’s older brother Manecklal, and sister Shanta Harilal.
President Ramaphosa commended him for his role as a leader in the country’s anti-corruption efforts during his later years of service to the nation.
“Gordhan stood up to derision and threats emanating from some in our nation who were scorched by his insistence that justice be dispensed against those who sought to undermine our democracy and raid our public resources and assets.
“During his decades of revolutionary dedication to making South Africa a better place, Pravin Gordhan and his family were deprived of much-needed and deserved time together.
“As we mourn his passing, we remain grateful for his life of sacrifice and service and his sustained striving for the realisation of the vision and dictates of our Constitution.
“We carry his family in our thoughts and prayers at this time,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said.
READ | President mourns the passing of former Minister Pravin Gordhan
Meanwhile, the South African Revenue Service(SARS) described the former Minister as “a true patriot, social activist and a steward leader.”
READ | Tributes continue for “patriot” former Minister Pravin Gordhan
– SAnews.gov.za
