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Congress of the People party (COPE) leader Mosiuoa Lekota.
Social media users say they will remember late Congress of the People party, COPE, leader Mosiuoa Lekota as someone who contributed to the struggle against apartheid and served the nation with distinction.
Seventy-seven-year-old Lekota died on Wednesday morning at a Johannesburg hospital.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson paid tribute to Lekota and sent his condolences to his family on X.
Macpherson says, “I served with him in Parliament for 10 years and recall his warmth and kindness whenever we would cross paths. A political trailblazer in many ways, who made his mark in post-democratic South Africa. May his soul rest in peace.”
Former Gauteng Premier, Mbhazima Shilowa, has called on South African’s to give Lekota’s family space to grieve.
I have just received the sad news of the passing of Mosiuoa Lekota, the president of Cope. No doubt it is a difficult moment for his family and his party. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time. We should give them space to grief. May his soul rest in peace.
— Mbhazima Shilowa (@Enghumbhini) March 4, 2026
Other X users also shared their messages of condolences.
Rest in peace Mosiuoa Lekota.
May we remember him not only for the positions he held, but for his contribution to the struggle, his voice in Parliament and his unwavering belief in the Constitution of South Africa. He loved South Africans pic.twitter.com/IgODuDWzQj— Mbali Mashinini (@mbalis_bakery) March 4, 2026
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Lekota family on the passing of Mosiuoa Lekota, leader of Congress of the People (COPE). A stalwart of South African politics, Lekota served the nation with distinction as former Minister of Defence and Military Veterans and as Premier… pic.twitter.com/bamSDSaek4
— 🇿🇦 Apostle Dr D Mekgwe🇹🇼 (@ApostleDeza) March 4, 2026
Rest in Peace Terror Mosiuoa Lekota. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/exDUr107mx
— Sophie Mokoena (@Sophie_Mokoena) March 4, 2026
Mosiuoa Lekota was a real revolutionary and a freedom fighter. He never sold out his people for shares in big companies or for tenders. Rest in peace to this giant of the revolution. pic.twitter.com/f4zutIIUgR
— Kgoshi Ya Lebowa (@Mothematiks) March 4, 2026
Mosiuoa Lekota was at the forefront of the struggle & witnessed so much during those difficult years. He dedicated his life to fighting for a better SA❤️
I always prayed that he would find healing & live to see the SA he fought so hard for. Sadly, he is now late💔
RIP Terror 🕊 pic.twitter.com/yVAD71iMYM
— YaseBlock B 🇸🇿 (@ThisIsColbert) March 4, 2026
RIP Mosiuoa Lekota 🕊️You died championing what he believed was the right cause, even when it wasn’t popular.
At one point even members of your own party wanted you gone, but u stood your ground. History will judge the man and his convictions pic.twitter.com/8MLCVSJNsN
— In A Nutshell🥜 (@Markosonke1) March 4, 2026
Video |COPE co-founder Mosiuoa Lekota passes away
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EVtMcaV_bg
