TIMELINE OF EVENTS

DECEMBER 13, 2015: Pravin Gordhan replaces Des van Rooyen as Minister of Finance. Van Rooyen’s reign, after he replaced Nhlanhla Nene, lasted just four days. Gordhan was previously Minister of Finance between 2009 and 2014. FEBRUARY 2016: Gordhan announces a freeze on state management and administrative posts, and a budget cut of R25 billion over three years. The Hawks send Gordhan 27 questions to answer on the so-called rogue unit at Sars. He does not answer the questions directly. MAY 2016: Gordhan releases a statement saying he feels “attacked” amid talks of the NPA wanting to prosecute him. JUNE 2016: Gordhan is brought close to tears discussing his potential arrest. August 2016: The finance minister receives a letter from the Hawks, summoning him to their offices. He declines. The rand takes a beating, dropping to R14.24 to the dollar – a 4.91% drop. The Hawks formally accuse Gordhan of acting corruptly in granting an early retirement package to former deputy head of Sars, Ivan Pillay, when he was head. The rand drops a further 1.83%. OCTOBER 2016: A charge sheet surfaces online, where Gordhan, Pillay, and Oupa Magashula are accused of fraud. Struggle veterans like Ahmed Kathrada vow to accompany Gordhan to court. NPA head Shaun Abrahams withdraws charges against the three. JANUARY 29, 2017: Media reports that a cabinet reshuffle looms, with Gordhan to be replaced by former Eskom chief executive Brian Molefe. MARCH 27, 2017: Gordhan is called back from an investor roadshow in the UK amid speculation that he will be recalled and replaced by Molefe. – Mercury Reporter