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The late Minister Pravin Gordhan played a pivotal role in the provision of strategic direction to Denel and in supporting the turnaround of the state-owned company. We honour his memory and admire his legacy. 

For many years Denel reported directly to Minister Gordhan in his capacity as Minister of Public Enterprises. We benefited greatly from his wisdom, his insight and his tireless insistence on good corporate governance. 

As one of the committed government leaders he helped to uncover corruption and state capture in the organisation and led the efforts to clean it up. His integrity never wavered. 

Mr Gordhan had a deep understanding of Denel’s position as a valuable national asset for all South Africans and a vital cog in the defence of the country’s sovereignty. 

His structural reforms contributed to the current situation in which Denel is more closely linked with the broader defence community. The current turnaround of Denel will always rank as one of his greatest achievements. 

Mrs Gloria Tomatoe Serobe, Chairman of Denel since 2021 appreciates the unwavering support from the Minister to navigate through the difficult circumstances Denel found itself collapsing under the weight of severe corruption and malfeasance. Particularly sensitive was trying to claw back a Denel whose sovereign capability is required by the State and occupies a particular position in the global world of defence. “It does please me to say with the Minister’s direction, wisdom and guidance, Denel is in a different place and well on its way to recovery.

On behalf of the Board, the Management and Employees, we wish to express our condolences to the family and may he rest in peace, says Chairman of Denel, Mrs Gloria Tomatoe Serobe.

Issued by DENEL