An Indian-origin politician, Pravin Gordhan has been appointed as South Africa’s new Finance Minister.
With this he becomes country’s third Finance Minister in a week. He replaces David van Rooyen who was appointed on 10 November 2015. Earlier President Jacob Zuma had sacked incumbent Nhlanhla Nene from Finance Ministry.
About Pravin Gordhan
- Born 12 April 1949 in Durban. He is trained and worked as a pharmacist in Durban
- He was one of the main negotiators in the drafting of South Africa’s democratic constitution from 1991-1994.
- He had served as a commissioner in South Africa’s revenue service (SARS) from 1999-2009
- Gordhan had served as Finance Minister from 2009-2014 and was widely respected for his work.
- Prior to this appointment he was serving as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
South Africa
- Table Mountain in Cape Town is believed to be one of the oldest mountains in the world.
- South Africa’s Cape Floral Kingdom has 9,600 plant species, 70% of which are not found anywhere else in the world.
- South Africa generates two-thirds of Africa’s electricity.
- South Africa is the world’s largest producer of macadamia nuts.
- South Africa is the sole producer of the Mercedes Benz C Class, right-hand drive vehicles.
- South Africa has the most luxurious train in the world, The Rovos Rail.