Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan's family are attending the Save South Africa gathering against state capture in Pretoria today‚ and a letter he sent to the assembly was received by thunderous applause.
In the letter‚ Gordhan said he was humbled by the support he had received.
He described himself as a son of the African National Congress and reiterated former president Nelson Mandela's words - "there is still a long walk".
The minister himself was not in attendance but his letter was read out by a Bishop at the St Albans church cathedral.
ANC veterans in attendance included Mavuso Msimang and Cheryl Carolus as well as party Gauteng chair Paul Mashatile.
The national anthem was sing by Freshlyground lead singer Zolani Mahola.
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