JOHANNESBURG - Tributes have been pouring in for former ANC veteran and Cabinet Minister Pravin Gordhan who died in the early hours of Friday morning.
Gordhan, who served in various ministerial roles over the past two decades, died at the age of 75 after a brief battle with cancer.
He retired as cabinet minister a few months before the general elections in May this year to focus on his health and family.
He had been suffering from cancer, his family said in a statement. Before his death, he said: "I have no regrets, no regrets… We have made our contribution," it said.
"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," President Cyril Ramaphosa said.
Gordhan is hailed for turning the South African Revenue Service (SARS) into an independent and credible body when he headed it from 1999 to 2009.
The service paid tribute to Gordhan after learning of his death, describing him as a "fearless ambassador for public service".
He "championed policies and reforms that strengthened the institution, transforming it into a globally respected revenue service," it said.
Former Minister Mac Maharaj described Gordhan as a great community worker.
Maharaj said Gordhan was a formidable public servant who prioritised the interests of all South Africans.
Close friend and movie producer Anant Singh says he hopes Gordhan's legacy of hard work and commitment to the country will continue to live on among the youth of today.
- Additional reporting AFP