Wed Sep 18 05:51:45 UTC 2024: ## South African Freedom Fighter and Cabinet Minister Pravin Gordhan Receives Official State Funeral

**JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA -** South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared an official state funeral for former cabinet minister and freedom fighter Pravin Gordhan, who passed away on September 13th at the age of 75 after a brief illness. Gordhan, a prominent figure in the fight against apartheid, will be laid to rest in his hometown of Durban on Thursday, September 21st.

The funeral service will be held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and will feature ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service. This recognition reflects the significant role Gordhan played in South African politics and his unwavering commitment to good governance.

A Book of Condolence has been opened at the office of the Department of Public Enterprises in Pretoria, where Gordhan served as Minister until his retirement earlier this year.

Gordhan, a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian award, served as Minister of Finance from 2009 to 2014 and again from 2015 to 2017. He was also instrumental in the formation of the United Democratic Movement (UDF) and its fight against the apartheid regime in the 1990s.

Tributes have poured in from fellow politicians and colleagues, praising Gordhan’s dedication to democracy, equality, social justice, and economic transformation.

In a message read at the 130th commemoration of the founding of the Natal Indian Congress, Gordhan expressed his concern over the gap between progressive values and the prevalence of self-interest and corruption. He urged a “reset” in the country’s political landscape.

The funeral service will be followed by a private cremation.

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