Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Pravin Gordhan, Asian-origin South African ex-minister, dies at 75

Gordhan's involvement in politics began in his youth, joining the anti-apartheid struggle as a teenager and becoming part of the ANC's underground structures in the 1980s.

Gordhan had retired from active politics following the party's loss of its parliamentary majority in the May elections. (Photo: Getty Images)
Gordhan had retired from active politics following the party's loss of its parliamentary majority in the May elections. (Photo: Getty Images)

PRAVIN Gordhan, a former South African government minister who played a key role in the country's transition to democracy, died on Friday at the age of 75. He had been diagnosed with cancer.

Gordhan, an Asian-origin veteran member of the African National Congress (ANC), had retired from active politics following the party's loss of its parliamentary majority in the May elections. It was the first time the ANC had lost its majority since taking power in 1994.


"Mr Gordhan passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his family, closest friends, and his long-time comrades in the liberation struggle in the early hours of this morning," his family said in a statement released on Friday.

South African president Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to Gordhan, stating, "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."

The African National Congress (ANC) dips its flag as it mourns the passing of Comrade Pravin Gordhan, a courageous soldier of our movement. We send our deepest condolences

to the family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/3edvZI2iCw

— African National Congress (@MYANC) September 13, 2024

Gordhan's involvement in politics began in his youth, joining the anti-apartheid struggle as a teenager and becoming part of the ANC's underground structures in the 1980s. He was one of the key negotiators in the peaceful transition to a constitutional democracy and entered parliament in 1994 when Nelson Mandela became South Africa's first democratically elected president.

Gordhan last served as minister of public enterprises from 2018 to 2024, overseeing state-owned enterprises. He was also finance minister twice, from 2009 to 2014 and from 2015 to 2017, and was credited with transforming the South African Revenue Service during his tenure as its head from 1999 to 2009.

Known for his strong stance against corruption, Gordhan was vocal in his criticism of former President Jacob Zuma while still serving in Zuma's cabinet.

(With inputs from PTI)

More For You

Shafqat-Ali-Khan

Pakistan foreign affairs ministry spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan. (Photo: X/@ForeignOfficePk)

Pakistan condemns 'racist and Islamophobic' remarks against British-Pakistanis

PAKISTAN condemned on Monday the "increasingly racist and Islamophobic" comments targeting British-Pakistanis.

The country emphasised the strong ties with the UK and the contributions of the community members.

Keep ReadingShow less
amrit-snan-kumbh-getty

In a celestial coincidence, two major bathing rituals occurred on consecutive days, with Paush Purnima on Monday and Makar Sankranti on Tuesday. (Photo: Getty Images)

Maha Kumbh: Millions gather as ascetics take 'royal bath' on Makar Sankranti

MILLIONS of devotees, including ascetics with matted hair and holy ash smeared on their bodies, took a ritual dip in the rivers of Prayagraj on Tuesday, marking the first 'Amrit Snan' (royal bath) of the Maha Kumbh Mela on Makar Sankranti.

The ritual bathing, conducted at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, is believed to cleanse sins and grant salvation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Chelsea unveils flower show
plans for sustainable gardens

Artistic impressions of The SongBird Survival Garden by Nicola Oakey

Chelsea unveils flower show plans for sustainable gardens

EVEN as parts of Britain lie under heavy snow, the Royal Horticultural Society has brought a touch of summer by announcing plans for this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

It will be recalled that in May 2023, Eastern Eye made its debut with an especially colourful garden at Chelsea, where the designer Manoj Malde got married, and King Charles and Queen Camilla made a special effort to visit the exhibit.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starner-AI-Getty

Starmer said AI would be central to his economic growth strategy. (Photo: Getty Images)

Starmer unveils plan to make country an AI 'superpower'

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer has announced plans to position the country as an artificial intelligence (AI) "superpower," focusing on pro-innovation regulation, access to public data for researchers, and the establishment of data centre zones.

Speaking at University College London on Monday, Starmer said AI would be central to his economic growth strategy.

Keep ReadingShow less
Pakistan-coal-mine-Getty

Coal mine collapses are frequent in Balochistan, where hazardous working conditions and poor safety standards persist. (Representational image: iStock)

Death toll in Pakistan coal mine collapse rises to 11

THE DEATH toll in a coal mine collapse in Pakistan's Balochistan's Sanjdi area has risen to 11 after rescuers recovered seven more bodies, officials said.

The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, about 40 kilometres from Quetta, due to a methane gas buildup that triggered an explosion and caused the mine to cave in.

Keep ReadingShow less