Lekota honoured for his commitment to democracy

Colleagues and friends gather at COPE leader Mosiuoa Lekota’s memorial service.

Former African National Congress (ANC) spokesperson Smuts Ngonyama says the late Congress of People (COPE) leader Mosiuoa Lekota understood the importance of democracy in South Africa. Ambassador Ngonyama who is also the COPE co-founder says he will remember Lekota for his unwavering commitment to the people of South Africa during Apartheid.

Lekota’s memorial service has concluded at the Bloemfontein City Hall. Lekota, who was also former Free State premier, passed away last week Wednesday.

Ngonyama called on the Lekota family to preserve his legacy.

“Comrade Terror as a member of a generation that transformed the resistance into a powerful movement, he played a crucial role for total liberation of the majority of the oppressed South Africans. Mosioua Lekota the giant of our democracy, he helped turn the movement into effective governance.”

Today the First Deputy Secretary-General of the ANC, Cde Nomvula Mokonyane, joined comrades, friends and members of the community at the memorial service of Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota, paying tribute to his lifelong contribution to the struggle for freedom and his dedication to… pic.twitter.com/HIInzPE2x1

— ANC – African National Congress (@MYANC) March 11, 2026

Former member of the Free State Legislature and farmer, Cass Human, spoke highly of how Lekota bridged the gap between upcoming and established agricultural sectors in the Free State during his tenure as Premier.

Human says Lekota understood the importance of agriculture in the country and therefore fought for the reconciliation of farmers.

Meanwhile, veteran SABC News journalist Sophie Mokoena has commended Lekota for uniting political parties and civil organisations. Mokoena said Lekota was a true democrat who believed in a united, non-racial South Africa.

She added that Lekota’s death has brought political parties such the United Democratic Front, African National Congress and Congress of the People together.

Mokoena says she will remember Lekota as a feisty leader who stood firm for inclusivity.

“ That it why when you see the messages, it is black, white, coloureds, Indians, young, old, middle age. That was Terror Lekota, very inclusive and at times people didn’t understand him, because in leadership there’s always going to be differences. At times he would have issues with his comrades. He did that in COPE, in ANC because he was very feisty.”