Mosiuoa Lekota (Photo: Sowetan)
A giant of South Africa’s liberation struggle – a man who spent years behind bars for his convictions and later helped build the young democracy’s institutions – is now silent.
Mosiuoa Gerard Patrick “Terror” Lekota, former prime minister of the Free State, minister of defense and founder of the Congress of the People (Cope), died on Wednesday at the age of 77 after a long illness.
Since the news of Lekota’s death, tributes have poured in from all quarters for the man who will be remembered across party lines “as a patriot, a freedom fighter and a principled statesman”.
From activist to leader: Lekota’s legacy
Lekota was born on 13 August 1948 in Kroonstad in the Free State. As a young student, he became involved in the South African Students’ Organization (SASO) and focused on the fight against apartheid. His activism led to his arrest, and in 1974 he was sentenced to eight years in prison on Robben Island, where he was imprisoned along with other liberation leaders, including Nelson Mandela.
Mosiuoa Lekota. Photo: Werner Beukes/SAPA
After his release in 1982, Lekota continued his involvement in the anti-apartheid movement and assumed a leading role in the United Democratic Front (UDF). His participation in the UDF led to charges in the Delmas treason trial in 1988, where he was initially sentenced to 12 years in prison on charges of treason, subversion of the state and murder, but the verdict was overturned in 1989.
Lekota was the first premier of the Free State from 1994 to 1996 and led the province through the challenging early years of democratic governance. From 1997 to 1999 he held the position of the first chairman of the National Council of Provinces (NRP), where he contributed to the establishment of this new parliamentary framework that gives provinces a meaningful voice in national legislation. From 1999 to 2008 he was Minister of Defence, an office in which he made a key contribution to the transformation of South Africa’s military and the strengthening of national security.
In 2008, Lekota left the ANC and founded the Congress of the People (Cope), which represented the first significant break in the ANC since 1994. With this, he further established his principled politics and pursuit of an inclusive, non-racial democracy.
Rest In Peace to Mosiuoa ‘Terror’ Lekota (1948 – 2026). Lekota was active as an activist in SASO, UDF and ANC. He was also the founding President of the Congress of the People (COPE). Photo Credit: Eric Miller pic.twitter.com/DEjWh7iWu8
— History ZAR (@HistorySAZAR) March 4, 2026
Ramaphosa: ‘SA has lost a patriot’
Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa says he learned of Lekota’s death “with deep sadness”.
“South Africa has lost a patriot, a freedom fighter and a servant of the people whose life story is now intertwined with our journey of struggle and the realization of democracy.
“His life was one of resilience, courage and a steadfast belief in justice. We especially honor him for his principled commitment to non-racialism during our struggle and in a liberated South Africa.”
Ramaphosa says Lekota’s vision for inclusive legislation drove him to establish new structures in parliament.
“He was instrumental in the establishment of the National Council of Provinces (NRP), which added a new dimension of democratic inclusion to our parliamentary system and ensured that communities across the country were heard and represented.”
Ramaphosa says South Africa will remember Lekota “for his patriotism, his intellect and his endearing nature”.
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. pic.twitter.com/GsC70Cg5HN
— Cyril Ramaphosa ???????? (@CyrilRamaphosa) March 4, 2026
Parliament: ‘He laid the foundation’
The presiding officials of the parliament also expressed their sadness at Lekota’s death and emphasized his contribution to the building of democratic structures in South Africa.
According to the parliament, as the first chairman of the NRP, he played a “decisive role in the formation of the identity, ethos and institutional culture of the new chamber of the parliament”.
“His leadership contributed to the establishment of the NRP as a forum where national legislation is not only assessed from a central point of view, but where provinces and communities were given a meaningful voice and collaborative government was promoted,” the statement said.
The officials describe Lekota as part of a generation of South Africans whose lives were forged in the struggle for freedom and whose sacrifices “formed the foundation of the country’s democratic and constitutional order”.
The parliament celebrated his legacy as a leader who not only created new institutions, “but also anchored the principles of inclusive, representative and responsible legislation in the country”.
We pay tribute to Mosiuoa Patrick Lekota (1948–2026), a stalwart of the struggle and dedicated public servant.
His contribution to our democracy will not be forgotten.#RIP #GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/5tjDDevIlh
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) March 4, 2026
DA: ‘He chose a more difficult path’
John Steenhuisen, leader of the DA, says that although he and Lekota sometimes differed on policy, they shared a common commitment to the Constitution.
“He could have been a lifelong cadre, a beneficiary of decay and patronage. All he had to do was keep quiet. But he chose a different path – a more difficult one. He showed courage and inspired many, myself and many of my DA friends and colleagues included.
“His commitment to principled politics and his willingness to take a stand in defense of democratic values earned him respect across the political spectrum.”
The Democratic Alliance notes with deep sadness the passing of Mosiuoa Lekota, leader of the Congress of the People.
On behalf of the DA, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr Lekota’s family, friends, colleagues, and the entire COPE membership during this difficult time.
Mr… pic.twitter.com/nToy8jvedP
— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) March 4, 2026
Roy Jankielsohn, the DA’s leader in the Free State, expressed his appreciation for Lekota’s legacy and described him as a man “who deeply loved his province and country”.
“The Free State has lost a son who was born in Kroonstad and kept his roots in the province. He was known as a ‘gentleman politician’ who did not hesitate to take principled positions, and who will be remembered for his lifelong and unwavering drive to build a non-racial and inclusive constitutional democracy in South Africa.”
Jankielsohn further emphasized that Lekota’s legacy of ubuntu and political tolerance is still present in the Free State’s political and community life.
PA: ‘Lekota was a renowned freedom fighter’
The Patriotic Alliance (PA) described Lekota as “a renowned freedom fighter and principled political leader” who played a significant role in South Africa’s transition from oppression and racial segregation to constitutional democracy”.
“Lekota dedicated his life to the people of South Africa and showed with principled leadership that politics is not only about personal gain, but about service to the community.”
The PA further pointed out that Cope received more than a million votes in 2009, which according to the party “proved that South African politics can be reformed by leaders who are prepared to challenge the dominant order”.
FF Plus: ‘Had potential to change course’
Corné Mulder, the FF Plus leader, says Lekota has long been a key figure in the country’s politics, which extends far beyond provinces and parties.
“He had the potential to significantly change South Africa’s course. His good Afrikaans and moderate views made many Afrikaners find a home at Cope, only to later become disillusioned,” said Mulder.
However, Mulder also acknowledged the challenges that characterized Lekota’s political career.
“Although he lived a full life with the desire to make a positive difference in South Africa, the internal conflict within Cope, including the struggles between Lekota and his deputy Sam Shilowa, and the difficulty in maintaining the party’s initial momentum, led to disappointment in how some of his political visions were ultimately realized.”
Mulder further emphasized that Lekota will still be remembered “for his integrity, his principled politics and his unwavering pursuit of an inclusive, non-racial democracy”.
Civic organizations and institutions pay tribute
Kallie Kriel, AfriForum’s chief executive, emphasized that it was a privilege for him and AfriForum to conclude an official agreement with Lekota in 2018 to work together for the protection of property rights. “Lekota was a steadfast and endearing man who did not hesitate to take positions that were not popular in radical circles. AfriForum honors him for that. The country is a poorer place without Lekota. May his family and friends find solace,” said Kriel.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation recalled the early interaction between Lekota and Nelson Mandela on Robben Island. Mandela described him in the 1990s as “a very bright, clever young man, very strong and eloquent… one of the most popular among us.” The foundation said that the respect that Lekota and Mandela had for each other highlighted his legacy as a freedom fighter and leader in the democratic era.
RISE Mzansi emphasized that Lekota was a leader who always put his moral conviction before political gain. They quoted his own words to illustrate his principled attitude: “We want to restore the dignity of our people and the integrity of our politics. We want a government that serves the people, not a government that only serves itself.”
According to the organization, Lekota never deviated from his beliefs and he always put service to the people above self-interest.
The Forum for South Africa (FOSA) praised Lekota for his determination to “constantly challenge corruption and demand ethical leadership”.
“Whether people agreed with his politics or not, his willingness to tackle mismanagement and demand fairness made his commitment to constitutional democracy and clean governance clear.
“His voice contributed to the broader national conversation about accountability in public life.”
The Motor Industry Staff Association (Misa) emphasized his legacy from a different angle, remembering him as a leader who was intensely intelligent and principled, but still humane and approachable.
“Lekota was as sharp as a razor blade, disciplined and principled – and yet always someone who had time for a joke and for other people’s perspectives. He used his leadership not only to transform structures, but also to inspire the people around him.”