Political parties pay tribute to Mosiuoa 'Terror' Lekota
Tributes continue to pour in from different political parties following the passing of the President of the Congress of the People Mosiuoa 'Terror' Lekota.
Lekota died at the age of 77 on Wednesday morning after a long illness.
He served as the first Premier of the Free State after 1994, later chaired the National Council of Provinces, and served as Minister of Defence from 1999 to 2008.
In 2008, he co-founded the Congress of the People (COPE), reflecting his belief in constitutional governance and political accountability.
READ: COPE President Mosiuoa Lekota dies at 77
Despite political differences over the years, parties have united in recognising Lekota’s contribution to the liberation struggle, his years of imprisonment under apartheid, and his ongoing defence of constitutional democracy in Parliament.
Various parties have described Lekota as a principled leader, a freedom fighter, and a defender of constitutional democracy whose legacy spans both the liberation struggle and the democratic era.
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) said Lekota’s contribution to the struggle against apartheid and to democratic South Africa would not be forgotten.
IFP Chief Whip Nhlanhla Hadebe described him as a courageous and insightful leader.
"South Africa has lost a statesman whose voice, insight, and historical perspective enriched our public discourse. He will be remembered for his fearless leadership during the struggle against apartheid, his dedication to constitutional democracy, and his sharp wit and sense of humour in Parliament."
The party also recalled a period of principled collaboration between the party under the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and COPE under Lekota, including joint legal action defending constitutional values.
In the same breath, the African National Congress reflected on Lekota’s long history within its ranks before he later formed COPE.
The party noted his leadership in the United Democratic Front and his imprisonment on Robben Island for eight years during apartheid.
"Undeniably, Mr. Lekota played a sterling role in the demise of apartheid, leading to the dawn of democracy in 1994. History has in its annals a man committed to the lives of the people, their dignity and freedom, Mr. Lekota has an indelible footprint in these milestones", said ANC National Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu.
The ANC extended condolences to the Lekota family, COPE, and the broader liberation movement.
We woke up this morning to the tragic news of the passing of our dear brother and someone we referred to as “Terror”. Because he struck terror at the heart of the apartheid regime.
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) March 4, 2026
His activism stems from his early days in SASO, the black consciousness movement and his activism… pic.twitter.com/hO6WnmCcKI
Meanwhile, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) said Lekota’s life mirrored South Africa’s difficult but determined journey toward freedom.
UDM President Bantu Holomisa praised what he described as Lekota’s principled politics.
"Throughout his political life, Mosiuoa Lekota remained a firm believer in constitutionalism, accountability and open democratic discourse."
Holomisa also noted that Lekota’s departure from the ANC and the formation of COPE strengthened democratic debate in Parliament.
"Their contribution in Parliament would therefore be significant, as they would remind South Africans that the project of the struggle had been hijacked by unscrupulous elements within the ruling party. Indeed, the commissions of inquiry that followed later confirmed many of those concerns."
The Democratic Alliance described Lekota as a patriot whose commitment to democratic values earned him respect across party lines.
DA National Spokesperson Jan de Villiers said Lekota demonstrated courage by standing firm on principle.
"He could have been a lifelong cadre, a beneficiary of rot 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."
In the statement announcing his death, Lekota's party said details regarding memorial arrangements would be communicated in due course.
