When one door closes, another opens. These are the words of MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) Ravi Pillay, who resigned on Tuesday this week.
Pillay, who has deep roots on the South Coast, has been known for achieving awards for excellence and, more importantly, clean audits in every government-appointed portfolio he has held.
His departure from government came soon after Premier Sihle Zikalala’s resignation last week.
Zikalala suffered defeat at the ANC’s KZN elective conference where he failed to make the list for the provincial executive committee (PEC).
In a letter to EDTEA, Pillay said after discussions with his political party he resigned as a member of the KZN legislature.
His resignation was tabled at a special meeting yesterday (Wednesday).
“My sincere appreciation to head of department, senior management and staff for support and contribution to strengthening EDTEA and its entities, and giving effect to each respective mandate to addressing the challenges of our time – poverty, unemployment and inequality.
“I pay tribute to all those who contributed to navigating and overcoming the challenges of the recent past, Covid 19, the July 2021 unrest and the 2022 floods. We have proved our resilience as a province and given real meaning to #KZNRISING. There is still much to be done and I have no doubt that you will be equal to the task” stated the letter.
He wished the incoming political leadership the best and said that he knows that EDTEA will continue to give full support to the new political leadership.
In May 2019, Pillay became the MEC for Finance, taking over from Belinda Scott who had left the provincial government.
He was then appointed MEC for EDTEA in November 2020, replacing Nomusa Dube-Ncube who was officially voted as the premier for KZN yesterday (Wednesday).
She is the first woman premier of the province.
After apartheid, Pillay became the inaugural speaker of the Hibiscus Coast Local Municipality now Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, and was later promoted to speaker of the Ugu District Municipality.
He was also appointed acting premier in March 2018, becoming the first Indian South African to hold the post.
Speaking to the Herald yesterday Pillay said, “I will continue to contribute to the best of my ability to the public interest in my future endeavours. I guess when one door closes another opens.”
Selvan Chetty, Human Rights Activist and former chief whip of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality has known Pillay for more than four decades. He said Pillay is widely respected as one of the most principled leaders in government.
“His level of selflessness, integrity and dedication to justice is unmatched. As a public servant he always goes the extra mile to deal with issues and challenges that face our country and government from time to time.”
Chetty added that Pillay excelled in every government appointed portfolio given to him. “His contributions towards building a truly non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society, coupled with his skill at uniting all sectors of society for the greater good, earned him the respect of politicians and communities alike.”
He added that Pillay’s departure from the legislature will leave a void, however, new leadership will adjust to their roles and continue with the good work his office is known for.
“I am confident that the leadership will have considered him for another equally important role in government because he has so much more to offer.”
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