“He was my comrade, he was also my colleague and he was a very good friend.”

These were the words of President Cyril Ramaphosa as he delivered the eulogy at former Minister Pravin Gordhan’s funeral, in Durban, on Thursday.

Gordhan passed away at the age of 75 in the early hours of September 13, following a period of illness. He was given a category 2 Special Official Funeral.

Speaking to the Gordhan family, and State dignitaries present at the funeral, Ramaphosa described the former Minister as a humble person, activist and leader.

“It was his unwavering belief that a political activist must serve no other cause than the cause of freedom that made PG [Gordhan] exceptional. It is that which makes great all true servant leaders,” he said.

Ramaphosa spoke of Gordhan’s courage in standing up for “what is right”, noting that he took this stance even before his ministerial roles in a democratic South Africa.

Ramaphosa reiterated what was stressed by previous speakers – Gordhan’s activism during apartheid –  and said even as a Minister, Gordhan remained a grassroots activist.

The President noted the violence meted out against Gordhan during his anti-apartheid activism and his determination to serve the struggle, regardless.

He also pointed to Gordhan being a key figure in the formation of the United Democratic Front, as well as a leader of the South African Communist Party and the African National Congress, and stressed his role in South Africa’s transition to democracy.

Gordhan’s role as head of the South African Revenue Service was praised for the impact it had on societal transformation.

Ramaphosa also pointed to Gordhan’s resistance against State capture, which was also reinforced by other speakers at the funeral.

“Drawing on his substantial moral stature, he refused to be silenced. He was prepared to confront those who had once been his comrades, whom he had once looked up to as his leaders, but who had abandoned the cause of the people. As many others looked away, his revolutionary consciousness demanded no less of him than that he speak out. For him, it was no different to when he joined the struggle against apartheid. It was a choice between what was right and what was wrong. It was a choice between standing with the people or standing against the people. There was never any doubt where Pravin Gordhan would stand,” Ramaphosa said.

He noted that Gordhan’s stance against State capture afforded enablers of corruption the opportunity to attack him in ways that were personal, dishonest and racist.

“These attacks did nothing to diminish Pravin’s standing among South Africans. Instead, they exposed the moral bankruptcy of those who chose to target him and his family. It was shameful then, and it remains shameful now,” Ramaphosa said.

He went on to remember Gordhan’s collaborative spirit, positivity, tact, strategic thinking and his standing firm on principle.

Ramaphosa described Gordhan as the “quintessential activist” and urged consideration from others on what could be done to better serve South Africans and the country.

He acknowledged the sacrifice made by the Gordhan family owing to the former Minister’s dedication and said his legacy would continue to guide efforts to ensure South Africa was just and equal.

“He was my comrade, he was also my colleague and he was a very good friend. Pravin Gordhan’s spear has fallen. And it is now up to us to pick it up and take our country forward… You were a much admired, much respected and much loved comrade. You were a much loved colleague, and a friend. Hamba kahle,“ Ramaphosa ended.