Pravin Gordhan, a man of integrity and courage

The first time I heard of Pravin Gordhan was when he was appointed commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in 1999, a role he held until 2009. His tenure was marked by remarkable success, transforming SARS into one of the most effective tax collection agencies in the world.

A few years into his role, I, along with a number of chief executives from South Africa’s banking sector, had the privilege of meeting him in Pretoria. In his characteristic no-nonsense manner, Pravin insisted that corporates must step up and contribute more to the fiscus. With a wink and a suppressed smile, he guided us to acknowledge that corporate tax deals weren’t serving the nation. This pivotal moment led us to increase our contributions, fostering a culture of corporate accountability that continues to thrive today.

Pravin was frank, hardworking, and possessed an integrity that was beyond reproach. Many will remember him for his invaluable contributions to South Africa’s democracy. He was incapable of dishonesty, and never hesitated to confront issues head-on. I came to appreciate these qualities during our interactions when he served as minister of finance from 2009 to 2014.

As the former chief executive officer of Investec, I firmly believe that growth-driven capitalism is essential for unlocking South Africa’s potential. While we agreed on the necessity of social upliftment, our discussions often highlighted our differing views on how to achieve this. I fondly recall our robust debates in which I advocated for growth while he championed transformation. Ultimately, we found common ground in the phrase “inclusive growth”, a goal that remains elusive, partly due to the state capture and corruption that have plagued our state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and government agencies.

In spite of our ideological differences, I had deep admiration for the sharp intellect and big heart behind Pravin. A veteran of the anti-apartheid struggle, he played a crucial role in South Africa’s transition to democracy. Yet perhaps his most significant contribution was his unyielding fight against corruption.

During the height of state capture, Pravin bravely spoke out against corruption within his own party, the African National Congress. He constantly urged journalists and civil society to “connect the dots, follow the money”, always prioritising South Africa’s interests over his own, often at great personal cost. His courage in these turbulent times is a testament to his character.

I vividly remember the events of December 2015, known as “Nene-gate”, when former President Jacob Zuma replaced Nhlanhla Nene, the minister of finance, with David “Des” van Rooyen. The chief executives of the banks, including myself, as well as a representative of business leadership, held an emergency meeting with certain senior ministers to discuss the damage this nefarious appointment would have on the economy. This after the rand and bank shares had taken a nose-dive on the news. Thankfully, Zuma responded to the backlash, and removed Van Rooyen after a mere four days in office. Pravin was then reinstated as finance minister, a move that was met with widespread relief.

In his second term as finance minister, Pravin championed collaboration with the private sector, creating the impactful CEO Initiative, out of which a successful small and medium-sized enterprise fund was created, with substantial financial backing from large corporates, as well as the establishment of the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme.

YES has created more than 155 000 job opportunities for young people in spite of the challenging economic landscape. Pravin’s unwavering commitment to uplifting the youth is a shining example of his dedication to South Africa’s future.

Regrettably, I fear that Pravin’s final role as minister of public enterprises may overshadow his remarkable legacy. He faced unjust criticism for the challenges faced by SOEs. In spite of his commendable efforts to reform institutions like South African Airways and Eskom, the complexity of these issues was daunting.

The relentless attacks on his character, including racist slurs, would have silenced many. Yet Pravin remained undeterred in his fight against state capture and the endemic corruption that continues to haunt South Africa. I only wish he were here to witness the progress of some of the initiatives he championed to revive South Africa’s institutions.

Pravin embodied patriotism, always willing to engage with people from all walks of life. He was never too busy or self-important to take a call or have a conversation. Even though we sometimes disagreed, I, like many others, will deeply miss his courageous contributions to our beloved country.

As we reflect on Pravin’s life and legacy, my heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and colleagues. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his spirit will live on in the values he championed and the lives he touched. May his memory be a blessing, inspiring us all to carry forward his commitment to integrity, justice, and the betterment of our nation.

• Stephen Koseff is the former Chief Executive Officer of Investec.