After a “short, courageous battle with cancer,” Gordhan died early Friday morning, “surrounded by his family, closest friends, and lifelong comrades in the liberation struggle,” his family said.

Known for his roles as Minister of Finance (2009-2014, 2015-2017), Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (2014-2015), and Minister of Public Enterprises (2018-2024), Gordhan’s contributions spanned decades.

His career began in 1999 as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, building on his intense involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle and his early activism in the 1970s and ‘80s.

A pivotal figure in South Africa’s journey to democracy, Gordhan played a significant role in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa and served as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Constitutional Committee.

Last year also marked 50 years since he graduated from the University of Durban-Westville with a Bachelor of Pharmacy, which led to his work at King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban until the early 1980s, when his activism resulted in dismissal and detention by police.

“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,” said the country’s president Ramaphosa.