Pravin Gordhan, once a prominent figure in South Africa's political landscape, has left behind a legacy fraught with debate, division, and controversy. A man who, at various times, was heralded as a champion of good governance, and at others, condemned as a figure of greed, corruption, and elitism. His tenure as the Minister of Public Enterprises, from 2018 until his passing, marked a period of unprecedented turmoil for South Africa’s key state-owned enterprises (SOEs). His handling of Eskom, Transnet, Denel, and South African Airways (SAA) became symbols of economic distress and decline, with critics laying the blame squarely at his feet.
Gordhan's Political Rise and Public Image
Pravin Gordhan, born in Durban in 1949, was a veteran of South Africa's liberation movement, playing an essential role during the anti-apartheid struggle. A member of the African National Congress (ANC), he was seen as part of a new wave of politicians, representing a generation committed to rebuilding South Africa in the post-apartheid era. Over the years, Gordhan cultivated a reputation as a steadfast public servant, particularly in his role as the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) from 1999 to 2009. His work in reforming the tax system and combating corruption earned him praise across political lines.
However, this positive image would erode dramatically during his years in charge of the Ministry of Public Enterprises.
The Gordhan Years: Collapse of State-Owned Enterprises
As Minister of Public Enterprises, Gordhan was tasked with overseeing some of the most critical institutions in South Africa’s economy. Eskom, Transnet, Denel, and SAA were once regarded as key pillars of the country's industrial and economic growth, driving development, and providing essential services to millions. Yet, under Gordhan’s leadership, these SOEs faced significant crises, with each teetering on the brink of collapse.
Eskom:
Arguably, the most significant and public failure of Gordhan’s tenure was his handling of Eskom. The power utility, once the pride of South Africa, descended into a state of permanent load-shedding, disrupting lives, businesses, and the broader economy. Blackouts became a daily reality, and South Africa’s energy infrastructure was described as being in its worst state since the country’s transition to democracy. Gordhan faced fierce criticism for his inability to stabilize the utility, with allegations of mismanagement and corruption further staining his record.
Under his leadership, Eskom failed to resolve structural issues related to its coal supply, ageing power stations, and its crippling debt burden. The country’s dependence on unreliable electricity generation led to widespread economic stagnation, and many pointed to Gordhan's oversight as the reason Eskom had become a shadow of its former self.
Transnet:
Once a well-functioning and crucial component of South Africa’s logistics network, Transnet under Gordhan suffered from systemic decline. The state-owned company, responsible for the bulk transportation of goods by rail and port management, was brought to the edge of ruin. Inefficiency, corruption, and infrastructure decay led to operational breakdowns, further crippling South Africa's supply chain. The collapse of Transnet’s rail network impacted key sectors such as mining and agriculture, damaging South Africa’s export capacity and contributing to job losses.
Denel:
Denel, the defence technology company that was once a jewel in South Africa’s industrial crown, also suffered under Gordhan’s leadership. Denel, which had a proud history of innovation and production for South Africa’s military, collapsed financially. Its contracts were cancelled or delayed, and the company became unable to pay salaries, driving away its skilled workforce. Despite efforts to restructure the company, Denel’s future under Gordhan remained uncertain, with many accusing him of overseeing the demise of a once-great enterprise.
South African Airways (SAA):
Perhaps the most contentious issue surrounding Gordhan’s tenure was his handling of SAA. The national airline, which had been in financial distress for years, was sold off in what many viewed as a corrupt and treasonous deal. Critics claimed that Gordhan’s decision to sell SAA was an act of betrayal to the country, sacrificing the airline for the benefit of private interests. Despite attempts to defend the decision as necessary for the airline's survival, the sale was shrouded in accusations of mismanagement and a lack of transparency.
The Legacy of Controversy and Division
While Gordhan was lauded in some circles for his efforts to root out corruption within SOEs, particularly targeting state capture, his failures in managing these enterprises overshadowed any attempts at reform. Under his leadership, South Africa's economy deteriorated, with load-shedding, rising unemployment, and the destruction of critical infrastructure serving as daily reminders of his administration's failures.
For many South Africans, Gordhan’s legacy is one of broken promises. His role in the collapse of Eskom, Transnet, Denel, and SAA led to widespread public anger, with accusations of incompetence and corruption. The country’s energy crisis, which he failed to resolve, continues to harm the lives of millions and has stunted economic growth. In the eyes of his critics, Gordhan represented the worst of South Africa’s political elite — a man whose loyalty to his wealthy allies and political connections came at the expense of the nation’s wellbeing.
Conclusion
Pravin Gordhan’s death marks the end of a controversial chapter in South African politics. While he may have begun his career as a respected public servant, his tenure as Minister of Public Enterprises will be remembered as a period of unparalleled disaster for South Africa’s key state-owned enterprises. Eskom, Transnet, Denel, and SAA are now in disarray, with his name synonymous with their downfall. Though some may continue to praise him for his fight against state capture, the overwhelming sentiment surrounding Gordhan's legacy will likely be one of failure, corruption, and missed opportunities for the nation.
