In a recent exclusive interview with Business Day, Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan disclosed his decision to retire from active politics, citing a desire to prioritize his family and health.
With this announcement, Gordhan also revealed that he will not be available as a candidate on the ANC’s electoral list, marking the end of his political career.
Gordhan’s tenure in various ministerial roles, including Finance Minister and Minister of Public Enterprises, has been marked by both praise and criticism.
While he played a significant role in shaping fiscal policies, his leadership has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding the state of South Africa’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
As reported by Daily Investor, Renowned economist Dawie Roodt labeled Gordhan as the worst Finance Minister in South Africa’s history, attributing part of the blame for the troubled state of SOEs to his policies.
Roodt highlighted Gordhan’s role in the country’s rising fiscal deficit and escalating debt-to-GDP ratio during his tenure.
Critics argue that Gordhan’s management of SOEs, such as Eskom, Transnet, the South African Post Office, and the SABC, has been ineffective, with many entities experiencing financial distress.
Energy expert Mthunzi Luthuli echoed these sentiments, calling for Gordhan’s dismissal due to the continued failure of SOEs under his watch.
Gordhan’s handling of the South African Airways (SAA) and Takatso deal also drew criticism, with opposition parties condemning his reluctance to disclose details publicly.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) raised concerns over the lack of transparency surrounding the deal, accusing Gordhan of attempting to shield information from parliamentary scrutiny.
As Gordhan prepares to step away from politics, his legacy remains a subject of debate, with supporters lauding his contributions to fiscal policy and detractors pointing to the challenges faced by SOEs under his leadership.
As South Africa navigates its economic and political landscape, Gordhan’s departure marks the end of an era characterized by both achievements and controversies.