South Africa is mourning the death of veteran politician and anti-apartheid campaigner Mosiuoa Lekota, who has died at the age of 77 after a period of illness.
The Congress of the People (COPE) confirmed his passing in a statement shared on Facebook, describing it as a profound loss to the nation.
“The Congress of the People (COPE) confirms with deep sadness the passing of its President, Mr Mosiuoa Gerard Patrick Lekota, earlier today after a period of illness,” the party said.
“The Lekota family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and the party asks the public and media to respect their wishes. Further details regarding memorial arrangements and tributes will be communicated in due course.”
Lekota was a key figure in the struggle against apartheid and was imprisoned on Robben Island alongside former President Nelson Mandela.
After South Africa attained democracy in 1994, he rose through the ranks of the African National Congress (ANC), serving as its national chairperson and becoming the first premier of the Free State province.
He later held the position of defence minister from 1998 to 2008, making him one of the country’s longest-serving ministers.
Nicknamed “Terror” for his football skills, Lekota remained an influential voice in South African politics for decades.
In 2008, following the removal of former President Thabo Mbeki by the ANC, Lekota broke away from the ruling party.
Citing disillusionment with governance and allegations of corruption within its leadership, he co-founded COPE alongside Mbhazima Shilowa.
The party initially performed strongly, securing 30 parliamentary seats in the 2009 general elections. However, internal leadership disputes and declining support saw its influence wane over time, and by the 2024 elections, COPE failed to win representation in parliament.
President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to Lekota, describing him as “a freedom fighter and a servant of the people.”
“Mosiuoa Terror Lekota and I have a long history of political activism. He was a committed South African who loved his country and I will continue to honour him. My deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones,” Ramaphosa said.
Last August, Lekota stepped back from public office due to health challenges, with COPE confirming at the time that he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.
His death marks the end of a long and eventful political journey that spanned the liberation struggle and South Africa’s democratic era.
