Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan with his deputy, Mcebisi Jonas, and President Jacob Zuma at a pre-Budget meeting — PICTURE: ELMOND JIYANE Many commentators say there are no heroes in South African public life. They are wrong. There are many, and they are all around us.But we need to keep our eyes open and see them at work — and acknowledge their bravery and encourage them to keep going.Last week Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan joined this legion of heroes.Gordhan might lose his job, which he has handled with such dignity and aplomb, this week.It does not matter if he does. He will still be a hero. In just two-and-a-half months he has shown the mettle, the character, of a hero. He stood up against abuse of power and the wanton theft of our people's resources. He has spoken out against greed without fear.For this he is already being vilified by those who want to profit from the state and its resources at the expense of the poor.What has Gordhan done?In just two-and-a-half months he ha...

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