Former public protector advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane says while death is a solemn and inevitable part of life, she had wanted Pravin Gordhan to live longer to face the full consequences of the law.
The former finance and former public enterprises minister died on Friday in a private hospital in Johannesburg. His family said he had been diagnosed with cancer.
This week his family announced that Gordhan was seriously ill. They held a prayer session on Wednesday.
Mkhwebane, speaking to Independent Media yesterday, said Gordhan's actions had had profound and damaging implications for the rule of law and Constitution - principles he himself swore to uphold.
“Pravin Gordhan committed a glaring violation by unlawfully establishing the Special Unit at the South African Revenue Service (Sars), effectively usurping the legitimate powers of the State Security Agency (SSA). This was a blatant overreach, undermining our constitutional framework and setting a troubling precedent for the over-concentration of power,” said Mkhwebane.
She said “Gordhan’s persecution not only targeted me but extended its malicious reach to my family, unfairly portraying us as enemies simply for fulfilling our constitutional responsibilities based on substantiated evidence”. “The damage and turmoil this has caused in our lives are immeasurable, and it is a wound that continues to fester.”
Mkhwebane said the public protector’s investigations, including the Pillay pension matter, were conducted with utmost integrity, free from fear or prejudice.
“The investigators acted on solid evidence, presenting findings that reflect an unyielding commitment to justice. Nonetheless, Gordhan’s actions sought to undermine these processes, casting a shadow on the credibility of diligent professionals and their work.
“Moreover, Gordhan’s actions have wreaked havoc on the lives of many hardworking black professionals and their families. The destruction he left in his wake is not just political but deeply personal for countless individuals whose careers and personal lives were adversely affected by his policies and actions,” said Mkhwebane.
She said as the country reflected on Gordhan’s legacy, it became imperative to recognise the critical importance of accountability and justice.
Mkhwebane said the rule of law should apply to all, irrespective of one’s position or power.
“His demise should serve as a stark reminder of the necessity for people in positions of authority to wield their power responsibly and ethically,” she said.
Mkhwebane said while it was tragic whenever a life is lost, the circumstances surrounding Gordhan’s actions compelled people to seek unwavering justice for all those affected by his decisions.
“His passing closes a chapter but does not remove the accountability owed to those who suffered under his influence. May we continue to strive for a nation where the rule of law and constitutional respect are the cornerstones of our society,” Mkhwebane said.
The Star