South Africa's Gordhan has full backing of cabinet - minister

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan reacts during a media briefing in Johannesburg, South Africa, March 14, 2016. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File Photo

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - South Africa's Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has the full backing of cabinet as he faces charges that, while running the tax agency, he fraudulently approved early retirement for a deputy, Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe said on Thursday. Gordhan is "innocent until proven otherwise by a court of law," Radebe told reporters. Gordhan has also been added to a inter-ministerial task team analysing university fees following protests by students over the cost of higher education, Radebe said. (Reporting by Wendell Roelf; Writing by Joe Brock; Editing by James Macharia)