Family, comrades and political leaders gathered at Soweto’s Regina Mundi Catholic Church on 11 March 2026 to remember former Cope leader Mosiua Lekota, who died on 4 March at age 77 after a long illness.
The memorial service for Mosiua “Terror” Lekota took place at the historic Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Soweto, a site known for providing refuge to anti-apartheid activists during the 1976 uprisings. Attendees included supporters from Cope, the ANC, Azapo, ACDP, ATM, UDM and Al-Jamah.
Lekota’s sister, Puleng Mosiua-Buthelezi, shared that even in his final days, he remained engaged with societal issues, including a recent accident in Vanderbijlpark that killed 13 children. She recalled his caring nature, noting how he supported her education with his own resources before his 1974 arrest led to her dropping out of university.
Longtime friend Pandelani Nefolovhodwe, a liberation war veteran, described Lekota’s resilience, recounting a heart attack incident where Lekota said he was “returned from the gates of heaven” because he “had not finished the race.” Nefolovhodwe also remembered their chess games in jail, highlighting Lekota’s determination to finish what he started.
ANC first deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane praised Lekota as a veteran of the struggle who believed in democracy, accountability and placing people’s interests first. She noted that despite political differences, he remained “one of their own.” Former UDF member Lisa Seftel called him an outstanding organiser who helped build alliances that made apartheid ungovernable. Lyndal Shope, former Cope secretary-general, said remaining incorruptible would be the greatest tribute to him.
Lekota’s career included imprisonment on Robben Island from 1974 to 1982 alongside Nelson Mandela, leading the United Democratic Front after release, serving as Free State premier from 1994 to 1996, and as defence minister from 1999 to 2008. He co-founded Cope in 2008 after breaking from the ANC over the recall of Thabo Mbeki, with the party securing over a million votes in 2009.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Official Funeral Category 2 for Lekota, with burial scheduled for 14 March 2026 in Bloemfontein at Grey College Sports Ground.
