Jacob Zuma, leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe party (MKP), honored the late former public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan, revealing that Gordhan once lent him money to help him escape to Eswatini during apartheid to avoid arrest. Zuma made these remarks at the funeral service for six MKP members who died in a bus crash while traveling to an event honoring his first wife, Gertrude Sizakele Khumalo, also known as Makhumalo. Gordhan, 75, passed away after a brief battle with cancer.

During the funeral, Zuma reminisced about his close relationship with Gordhan, who had been his comrade and supporter when Zuma chaired the African National Congress’ (ANC) Natal region in the 1970s. Zuma recalled how he approached Gordhan, then working at a pharmacy, to borrow money so he could flee to Swaziland. Zuma's comment sparked laughter among the crowd as he detailed asking Gordhan not to disclose his plan. Although he initially intended to return after a few days, circumstances changed when two ANC members were arrested, preventing him from coming back. Zuma also shared stories of his relationship with MaKhumalo as he addressed the mourners.