The position of finance minister in this country is quickly becoming a poisoned chalice, especially for those who don’t play ball with the Zuptas.

There’s currently a massive target on incumbent Pravin Gordhan, with the Hawks nipping at his heels about the so-called ‘rogue unit’ at SARS.

He has thus far remained defiant, and yesterday’s Parliamentary Q&A session was another display of his refusal to bow to political pressure.

Fin24 have compiled a list of his 10 ‘most significant’ quotes, but in reality they’re knife-edged zingers aimed at all of Zuma’s yes men and women.

Make it rain:

– As the head of Treasury I stand here as a free and uncaptured individual – by anybody (said in reference to Floyd Shivambu’s allegation that National Treasury too is “captured” by the Guptas).

– In our society at the moment there is such a well-orchestrated campaign about capture when it is so clear where it is – where it is advancing certain people at the disadvantage of 55 million people.

– Why in this chamber and elsewhere are people obsessing about one family’s influence? Can’t we speak about jobs? Or about how to create more investment rather than discussing if you are pro-Gupta or anti-Gupta? (said in response to persistent questions about the Guptas and their alleged capture of state-owned enterprises).

There’s actually video of that one – skip to around 55 seconds below:

– I appeal to all board members, including [South African Airways chairperson Dudu] Myeni, that SAA is an important state asset and over the next five years or so it must be able to stand on its own feet. National interest is far more than individual and sectorial interest (said in response to a statement that Myeni was an unruly chairperson).

– I do not see the SAA chair (Dudu Myeni) as an all powerful person who can do what he or she likes (said in response to a statement that Myeni was not fit for the position).

*Drops mic*

It’s people like Pravin and outgoing Public Protector Thuli Madonsela that should inspire us all, both having displayed an unwillingness to share a bed with corruption and maladministration.

I don’t know how much longer you have at the helm big man, but while you’re there show the rest how it’s done.

[source:fin24]