Mosiuoa Lekota, founder of the Congress of the People (COPE), has died at the age of 77, reports said on Wednesday.
The former defence minister passed away in the early hours of Wednesday at a Johannesburg hospital after battling ill health for the past year.
He had stepped back from active politics following the 29 May 2024 elections due to his health.
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Mosiuoa had led COPE since its formation in 2008, after the ANC’s Polokwane conference where former president Thabo Mbeki lost to Jacob Zuma.
Last year, the party appointed Teboho Loate as deputy president.
🚨SAD NEWS🚨
My deepest condolences to the Lekota family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by the life and service of Ntate Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota.
South Africa has lost a committed public servant whose contributions formed part of our democratic journey.
May… pic.twitter.com/Fe6OUxlFmS
— 🇿🇦Monde Dimanda🇿🇦 (@_gwaca) March 4, 2026
[ALERT]
The country has lost a resilient leader. Our condolences to the Lekota family. May you find comfort in the contribution he has made for his country.
Rest Well Terror.#RipLekota#ATMInCommunities pic.twitter.com/yVFATBy8pl
— African Transformation Movement (@ATMovement_SA) March 4, 2026
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South Africa has lost a courageous voice.
Mosiuoa Lekota stood for principle, spoke his mind, and dedicated his life to the struggle for freedom and democracy. From Robben Island to Parliament, his journey was one of resilience and service to the people.
Ntate “Terror” Lekota… pic.twitter.com/Cy9rBpfwDL
— Dr Bhuda — Football. Africa. Conversations. (@DrBhuda) March 4, 2026
Mosiuoa Lekota was revolutionary in his younger days. No matter how you disagree with his later politics, it doesn’t change the fact that he also threw jabs against apartheid. Big enough for them to put him in prison. Terror, one who walked with Biko, Black Panther #RIP pic.twitter.com/QfLqli7ecC
— Sir Thomas (@SirThomasrv4j) March 4, 2026
First published by African Insider
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
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