️ South Africa's former defence minister, prominent anti-apartheid campaigner, and politician Mosiuoa Lekota has died at the age of 77. His death was announced by the Congress of the People (Cope) party, which he founded, in a statement confirming he passed away after a "period of illness".
️ Lekota began his political career fighting against the racist apartheid system and was imprisoned on Robben Island alongside former President Nelson Mandela. He later served as chairperson of the African National Congress (ANC) but left in 2008 to form the rival Cope party, citing allegations of corruption. His departure was linked to internal divisions within the ANC and the removal of former President Thabo Mbeki.
️ Lekota served as defence minister for a decade from 1998 to 2008, making him one of South Africa's longest-serving ministers. He was also the first premier of the newly-established Free State province after 1994, when the country entered the democratic era. His nickname "Terror" stemmed from his prowess on the football field.
️ The Cope party performed well in the 2009 general elections, gaining 30 parliamentary seats, but its electoral fortunes declined over the years due to a leadership battle between Lekota and co-founder Mbhazima Shilowa. By the 2024 elections, the party failed to secure any seats in parliament. Last August, Lekota stepped back from public office due to health issues.
️ Lekota spent most of his life in politics: first as an anti-apartheid activist, then as a leading figure in the ANC and Cope. He was first imprisoned in 1974 under the Terrorism Act and spent several years on Robben Island. After his release in 1982, he was arrested again as a leader of the United Democratic Front (UDF) and charged with treason in the Delmas Treason Trial, though later acquitted by the Supreme Court of Appeal.
️ President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to Lekota as a "freedom fighter and a servant of the people", stating his life was "one of resilience, courage, and steadfast belief in justice". Lekota's friend and former UDF leader Trevor Manuel hailed him as an "amazing human being" deeply committed to South Africa, revealing he last saw a "very ill" Lekota two weeks ago in intensive care, where he fought a "brave and long battle".
Source: www.bbc.com