Pravin Gordhan To Receive State Funeral: A Nation Divided
- President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that former Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan will be honored with a state funeral.
- This announcement came alongside the signing of the BELA Bill, shortly after Gordhan's passing from cancer.
- South Africans have expressed mixed emotions, with some criticizing Gordhan for challenges faced by state-owned enterprises under his tenure.
Tebogo Mokwena, a seasoned journalist with Briefly News, has been covering policy changes, the State of the Nation Address, political news, and elections in Johannesburg, South Africa, for over seven years. Previously working at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News, Mokwena brings a wealth of experience to the table.
PRETORIA — In a solemn moment, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the late Pravin Gordhan would be honored with a state funeral. This decision sparked a range of emotions across South Africa, with some embracing the tribute while others questioned the appropriateness of such an honor.
Honoring a Legacy: Pravin Gordhan's State Funeral
eNCA reported that President Ramaphosa personally granted Gordhan a state funeral during the signing of the BELA Bill. Reflecting on the final moments he spent with Gordhan, Ramaphosa shared a deeply personal account of their last interaction. He revealed that he had the opportunity to speak with the former minister in his final hours, a conversation that left a lasting impression on him.
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"It was a heart-wrenching experience to witness him transition into another world. Pravin was one of the most principled and courageous freedom fighters our nation has ever known. His dedication to the cause of freedom and justice was unmatched," Ramaphosa remarked.
Gordhan's battle with cancer ultimately claimed his life, leaving behind a legacy that continues to provoke both admiration and criticism. As the nation mourns his passing, many reflect on his contributions and the challenges he faced during his tenure.
A Nation Divided: Mixed Reactions to the State Funeral
Not everyone in South Africa shares the same sentiment about honoring Gordhan with a state funeral. Many citizens have expressed uncertainty, questioning whether he truly deserved such recognition. The impact of his decisions as Minister of Public Enterprises remains a contentious topic, with some attributing the struggles of state-owned enterprises to his leadership.
Ezese Spiyo Awume voiced his concerns, stating:
"Many employees at South African Airways lost their jobs because of him. The repercussions of his decisions are still being felt today."
Fhatuweni Khumela echoed similar sentiments:
"The downfall of state businesses like Eskom, Prasa, SAA, Telkom, and the Post Office can be traced back to his leadership. His tenure left a legacy of failure in these organizations."
Lungelo N Bra Thamboz added:
"Perhaps President Ramaphosa doesn't fully grasp the meaning of the word 'principled.' Gordhan's actions often raised eyebrows and sparked controversy."
Lwando Lemzin Ntonta further elaborated:
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"His principles seemed to align more with the interests of political allies rather than the broader needs of the country. This disconnect is troubling."
On the other hand, Thulile Ngcebesha acknowledged the loss, stating:
"His passing represents a significant loss for the ANC cabinet. Despite differing opinions, his contributions to the party and the nation cannot be overlooked."
EFF Refuses to Mourn: Criticism from Opposition Parties
In a related article, Briefly News highlighted that the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) openly criticized the decision to honor Pravin Gordhan. The party accused him of contributing to the collapse of state-owned enterprises, asserting that his legacy is one of failure in managing these critical institutions.
The EFF's stance underscores the ongoing debate surrounding Gordhan's leadership and the challenges faced by South Africa's public sector. As the nation grapples with these issues, the decision to grant a state funeral to Gordhan serves as a reminder of the complex and often polarizing nature of political legacies.
