Siphiwe Dlamini
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have shared their harsh criticism of Pravin Gordhan’s legacy, claiming that his time in politics was filled with failure, exploitation, and corruption. The EFF also believes that Gordhan passed away without being held accountable for his actions.
Gordhan, aged 75, passed away after a short battle with cancer, according to his family’s announcement on Friday morning. Despite his long-standing role in South African politics, the EFF made it clear that they do not believe Gordhan should be remembered positively.
“Gordhan’s legacy is one of failure, exploitation, and corruption. May we never allow another Pravin Gordhan to rise again,”
the party stated.
In their statement, the EFF described how they believe Gordhan caused severe damage to South Africa’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs), which in turn negatively affected the lives of ordinary South Africans.
“Gordhan was a man whose legacy is deeply intertwined with the destruction of our state-owned enterprises and the betrayal of the people of South Africa. We cannot mourn counter progressive forces that stood against the potential of building a successful, sovereign country that serves its people. Instead, we are reminded of the wreckage he leaves behind – wreckage that has ravaged the lives of ordinary South Africans,”
the party added.
The EFF accused Gordhan of being a symbol of greed and elitism, especially during his time as Minister of Public Enterprises. They claim that his actions contributed to the collapse of important institutions like Eskom, Transnet, Denel, and South African Airways (SAA).
“His tenure as Minister of Public Enterprises was a period of unparalleled disaster for every state-owned enterprise he touched. Under his leadership, Eskom became a shadow of its former self, plunging this country into a permanent state of load-shedding, while blackouts shattered livelihoods and businesses across the nation. Transnet, which once facilitated the efficient movement of goods, is now in ruins, barely able to function. Denel, a proud defence company, was brought to its knees, while SAA, our national airline, was sold off in a corrupt deal that reeks of treason,”
said the EFF.
One of the key criticisms from the EFF is around the South African Airways Takatso deal, which they claim was one of the most dishonest transactions handled by Gordhan. The EFF believes that the sale of SAA was done in a way that only benefited a few wealthy individuals, while the country suffered as a result.
“Even now, the full extent of its treachery has not been properly scrutinised because Gordhan, a man at the centre of corruption, evaded accountability at every turn,”
the party said.
They also pointed out that during his final days as Minister of Public Enterprises, Gordhan refused to answer for his actions. According to the EFF, he ignored Parliament’s request to appear and explain his decisions, which they say showed his disregard for the people of South Africa.
“In fact, in his final days as Minister, Gordhan brazenly spat in the face of South Africans, refusing to account to them. When summoned to appear before Parliament – the very institution through which he was supposed to answer to the people of South Africa – he arrogantly and unapologetically declared that he would not comply, showing his utter disdain for the people of South Africa,”
the EFF said.
The party accused Gordhan of using his power without facing any consequences. They believe his decisions played a major role in weakening the country’s economy, with many people losing their jobs as a result of the failures of state-owned companies.
“Now he dies with his crimes unpunished. Every collapsed enterprise and every failure that left hundreds of thousands unemployed is part of Pravin Gordhan’s shameful legacy. As an unapologetic instrument of capitalism, he deliberately dismantled the very entities meant to uplift and develop our nation. His actions directly contributed to the high levels of unemployment, leaving countless families who are still suffering in silence. Gordhan betrayed the workers, the poor, and the oppressed, and he did so without a shred of remorse,”
the party claimed.
In their final remarks, the EFF made it clear that they will not mourn Gordhan’s death. They believe his actions harmed the country and its people, and they do not support any positive tributes to him.
“We will not shed a tear for the likes of Pravin Gordhan, nor will we celebrate the false legacies created by his apologists. He will be remembered for his role in stifling the growth of our nation, destroying the hopes of millions, and enabling the collapse of our state entities,”
the EFF concluded.
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