Following the death of anti-apartheid veteran and former COPE leader Mosioua ‘Terror’ Lekota earlier this week, the Presidency has ordered national flags to fly at half-mast from Saturday ahead of his Special Official Funeral Category Two in Bloemfontein next Saturday, with full state honours.
The Presidency announced that Mosioua ‘Terror’ Lekota, who died on Wednesday at a Johannesburg hospital, will receive a Special Official Funeral, Category Two. This includes full state honours, ceremonial guards, and an official procession in Bloemfontein, scheduled for next Saturday.
National flags will be flown at half-mast starting Saturday to honour the former Free State premier and national defence minister, whose death at age 77 was confirmed earlier this week.
Tributes continue to highlight Lekota's legacy. Former minister Lindiwe Sisulu described him as ‘passionate’. Reverend Frank Chikane called him a ‘transparent person’. Parliament recognised his role in establishing the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).
Commentators emphasise his United Democratic Front activism against apartheid and later challenges to ANC dominance, which shaped South Africa's democracy. His body has arrived in Bloemfontein ahead of the funeral.
