By: Natasha Archary

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Official Funeral Category 2 for late former Minister Pravin Gordhan who passed on Friday, 13 September.
Gordhan will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral on Thursday, 19 September in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Special Official Funeral is bestowed on distinguished persons specifically designated by the President and entails ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
In addition, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast from Saturday morning, 14 September until the evening of the funeral of the late struggle stalwart and Cabinet veteran.
Gordhan passed away in the early hours of Friday, 13 September 2024, at the age of 75, in hospital following a period of illness.
Gordhan served as Minister of Finance from 2009 until 2014 and again from 2015 to 2017.
He also served as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs from 2014 until 2015, and as Minister of Public Enterprises from February 2018 until he announced his retirement in March 2024.
Gordhan was appointed Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service in 1999, after a period as Deputy Commissioner.
President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the Gordhan family and paid a visit to Gordhan in his final hours.
“His contribution to the public sector arose from his involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle, including his role in student and civic movements in the 1970s and ‘80s, as an executive member of the Natal Indian Congress and military military operative in the armed wing of the African National Congress.
Gordhan was driven by a vision of a society in which all people may achieve their full potential and in which all may realise their dreams.”
Ramaphosa described Gordhan as a leader who fought to liberate South Africa from the shackles of apartheid, inequality, poverty and hunger.
Pravin Gordhan is survived by his wife Vanitha Raju, daughters Anisha and Priyesha and his older brother Manecklal Gordhan and sister Shanta Harilal.
President @CyrilRamaphosa has declared that struggle stalwart and Cabinet veteran Mr Pravin Gordhan will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 on Thursday, 19 September 2024. https://t.co/J0jbyMqcmq
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) September 14, 2024



