Mosiuoa Lekota, a prominent anti-apartheid activist and former South African defence minister, has passed away at 77 after a long illness.
Lekota played a crucial role in the fight against apartheid, serving time on Robben Island alongside Nelson Mandela from 1974 to 1982.
His commitment to justice and equality led him to join the African National Congress (ANC) and later form the Congress of the People (COPE) party in 2008 after disputes with the ANC.
Lekota’s political career spanned decades, with notable roles including premier of the Free State province, chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, and minister of defence under President Thabo Mbeki.
He was known for his strong leadership and advocacy for non-racialism and clean government.
COPE, founded by Lekota, initially gained significant traction, becoming the third-largest opposition party in 2009.
However, the party’s influence waned over time, and it failed to win parliamentary seats in the 2024 general elections.
Tributes have poured in from across South Africa’s political landscape, with leaders praising Lekota’s dedication to justice and his contributions to the country’s history.
