Pravin Gordhan, ex-finance minister and ATAF's first chair, dies at 75
Gordhan's public service career extended beyond his work with ATAF, including his notable role as South Africa's Minister of Finance.
PRETORIA, South Africa— Pravin Gordhan, former South African Minister of Finance and inaugural Chairperson of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), died Friday morning, writes Winston Mwale.
Gordhan passed away peacefully in a hospital surrounded by family, close friends, and lifelong comrades from the liberation struggle, according to a family statement. In his final moments, Gordhan declared, "I have no regrets, no regrets... We have made our contribution."
He was 75.
A committed political activist since his teenage years, Gordhan recently retired from active politics following South Africa's 2024 general election to spend time with his family.
ATAF officials praised Gordhan's instrumental role in establishing the organization from 2009 to 2012.
"Pravin Gordhan was a towering figure who shaped ATAF's mission and vision," said ATAF Chairperson Phillip Tchodie.
"His work was rooted in the belief that strengthening tax systems was key to achieving Africa's development goals."
Gordhan's leadership focused on enhancing tax administration across Africa and improving domestic resource mobilization.
ATAF Executive Secretary Logan Wort credited Gordhan with building the forum into a "robust institution."
During his tenure, Gordhan advocated for cooperation among African tax administrations to improve tax governance and public revenue continentwide.
ATAF officials said Gordhan's vision continues to guide their work in promoting tax justice and strengthening African tax administrations' capacity to mobilize resources for development.
Gordhan's public service career extended beyond his work with ATAF, including his notable role as South Africa's Minister of Finance.
ATAF extended condolences to Gordhan's family, friends and colleagues, calling his passing "a significant loss to the ATAF community and the African continent."