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Cape Town - Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has expressed his appreciation to South Africans for their support in a letter issued by National Treasury on Friday.
Gordhan was under investigation by the Hawks over the early retirement of a former colleague at the South African Revenue Service (Sars), which allegedly resulted in R1.1m of wasteful expenditure. His court appearance was scheduled for November 2.
However, National Prosecuting Authority head Shaun Abrahams withdrew fraud charges against Gordhan and two former Sars commissioners on November 1, saying there was no intention on Gordhan's part to act unlawfully.
The beleaguered finance minister enjoyed widespread popular support, with many believing the charges were politically motivated. A week before the court appearance, 81 CEOs also pledged their support for Gordhan.
Here is the full letter:
On behalf of my family and myself, I wish to thank fellow South Africans from all walks of life and organisations who have provided us with active support and continue to do so.
We are humbled.
Like many, I am a son of the congress movement, the African National Congress and the congress alliance. I was taught the values of democracy and social justice in the Freedom Charter.
The Preamble of our Constitution calls on all of us to:
• “"Heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights," and,
• "Lay the foundations for a democratic and open society in which government is based on the will of the people and every citizen is equally protected by law."
We have made tremendous progress in all aspects as a young democracy. But we have much more to do – in unity.
Hope, resilience and active involvement will enable us to overcome poverty, unemployment and inequality - and any form of injustice and unfairness. Ours is the formidable task of inclusively transforming our economy - providing jobs and skills for our youth, opportunities for entrepreneurs and a decent and dignified life to all South Africans.
President Nelson Mandela reminds us, “I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.”
Once again, our most sincere and deepest appreciation for your active support. Ke a leboga. Ke a leboha. Ngiyabonga. Enkosi. Ngiyathokoza. Dankie.
Pravin Gordhan and family
