The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) has paid tribute to former cabinet minister Pravin Gordhan.
Gordhan previously held the portfolios of Minister of Finance, Gogta and Public Enterprises during the President Jacob Zuma and Cyril Ramaphosa administrations. He also served as Sars commissioner during Thabo Mbeki’s reign.
He died on Friday at the age of 75 following a short battle with cancer.
Sacci chief executive Alan Mukoki said: “We pass our condolences to his family, his friends, colleagues, and his political home the African National Congress.”
Mukoki said over the years, they had constructive engagements with Gordhan who has participated as a speaker in a number of events organised by them.
“We found him to be forthright, robust in our debates on many economic policy issues first as Sars Commissioner, then Finance Minister and lastly as the Public Enterprises Minister,” Mukoki said.
“He was accessible and available to meet and engage with business and other key stakeholders.”
Mukoki said that while there was areas of disagreement as is normal in any business and government relationship, Gordhan as was professional, intelligent and transparent.
“He played a pivot role in normalising the relationship between business and government. He played his role and left an indelible mark,” Mukoki said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has also expressed his condolences to the Gordhan family and paid tribute to the struggle stalwart.
Ramaphosa said: “We have lost an outstanding leader whose unassuming persona belied the depth of intellect, integrity and energy with which he undertook his activism, his duty as a parliamentarian and his roles as a member of Cabinet.”
“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.”
IOL Business