By: Bernell Simons

Messages of condolence are pouring in from across South Africa’s political spectrum following the death of veteran anti-apartheid campaigner and Congress of the People (COPE) founder Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota. Lekota died at a Johannesburg hospital on Wednesday after a long illness.

He was 77. Lekota, a co-founder and President of COPE, was widely respected for his decades-long contribution to the struggle against apartheid and his role in South Af rica’s democratic Parliament. Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen described Lekota as a principled leader who dedicated his life to serving the country.

“He contributed immensely in our democratic Parliament and remained a steadfast advocate for constitutionalism, accountability and the rule of law. This cost him more than many realise,” Steenhuisen said.

“He could have been a lifelong cadre and beneficiary of patronage. All he had to do was keep quiet. But he chose a different, more difficult path. He showed ccourageand inspired many, including myself and many of my DA colleagues.”

The African National Congress (ANC), where Leko ta played a significant role during the struggle before later leaving the party, described him as a leader who helped shape the country’s history. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said Lekota’s passing coincides with significant milestones in South Africa’s democratic calendar.

“As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Constitution and Human Rights Month, we state unequivocally that Lekota has an indelible footprint in these milestones,” Bhengu said.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also paid tribute to the veteran politician, acknowledging the role he played in both the liberation struggle and in sshapingdemocratic opposition politics. “His political life reflected both the unity forged in the struggle against apartheid and the divisions that later emerged over the direction of the country,” said EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo.

Who is Lekota Mosiuoa Patrick “Terror” Lekota was born in KrKroonstadnd became politically active at a young age. His activism earned him the nickname “Terror”. He was imprisoned on Robben Island for eight years for his role in the struggle against apartheid and later emerged as a prominent political leader. Lekota was associated with the Black Consciousness movement and served as a leader of the South African Students’ Organisation (SASO).

He later became a senior figure in the United Democratic Front (UDF) and was among the accused in the historic Delmas Treason Trial following the Vaal uprising of 1984. After the advent of democracy in 1994, Lekota served as the first Premier of the Free State from 1994 to 1996.

He later chaired the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and served as Minister of Defence between 1999 and 2008 under former president Thabo Mbeki. In 2008, he left the ANC and co-founded the Congress of the People (COPE), where he served as party president. Lekota will be laid to rest in Bloemfontein. His family has yet to announce the details of his funeral.