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COPE supporters
Political analyst Reaobaka Kalaote says the future of the Congress of the People (COPE) could be in jeopardy after the death of the party’s leader and co-founder Mosiuoa Lekota.
Lekota passed away last Wednesday at the age of 77 in Johannesburg.
He was laid to rest at the Magengenene Cemetry in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
WATCH | Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota is laid to rest at Phahameng Cemetery in Bloemfontein as family, comrades, and mourners pay their final respects. pic.twitter.com/zV3Rw5l8kS
— SABC News (@SABCNews) March 14, 2026
Kalaote says Lekota broke away from the African National Congress to form COPE because of some elements in the liberation movement.
“Allegedly within Congress of the people, there may still be elements that display that kind of behavior that he really was not for. As you have heard throughout with regards to the memorial services that were held for him in Soweto and Bloemfontein all the speakers are alluding to a hater of corruption really self enriching politics that it seemed to have taken over is something that he needed to do away.”
Special Official Funeral Category 2 of struggle veteran Mosiuoa Lekota
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YVUL1dtS2Y
Tributes
In paying tribute to Lekota, former Congress of the People Spokesperson Dennis Bloem says it is a sad day as he says goodbye to his close friend and comrade Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota.
Bloem says Lekota leaves behind a legacy as a leader who stood firmly against corruption.
Inkatha Freedom Party national Spokesperson, Mkhuleko Hlengwa and African Congress for Transformation leader, Ace Magashule, also paid tribute to Lekota, describing him as a patriot whose conversations were filled with lessons on duty, service, helping others and standing up for what is right.
Magashule says, despite having gone separate ways politically, Lekota remained his comrade.
Medical doctor and anti apartheid activist Diliza Mji says he was honoured to be present at the burial and to celebrate Lekota’s lifelong struggle. Mji also commended Lekota’s wife, Cynthia Lekota, for standing by her husband throughout the difficult years.
Meanwhile, former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel described Lekota as a big-hearted leader, saying he was larger than any political organisation.
Former North West Province Premier Popo Molefe says Lekota’s life must not only be mourned but also celebrated, as his journey represents a tapestry of struggles and milestones that helped bring about the political freedom South Africans enjoy today.
