COPE founding leader Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota has died at the age of 77, marking the end of a long political life that stretched from anti-apartheid activism to Cabinet office and party politics

Died in Johannesburg After Illness

Lekota died in the early hours of Wednesday at a Johannesburg hospital after a prolonged illness. His family was with him at the time. Funeral and memorial details will be communicated in due course.

From Student Politics to Robben Island

Lekota was born in Kroonstad in the Free State. His political activism started early, including involvement in student politics and the Black Consciousness Movement.

He was expelled from the University of the North, later worked as an organiser for the South African Students’ Organisation (SASO), and was arrested in 1974. He was sent to Robben Island during apartheid-era crackdowns on activists.

Premier, Defence Minister, Then COPE

After his release, Lekota remained active in politics and later joined the ANC after it was unbanned. He went on to serve as the first premier of the Free State after 1994.

He later became minister of defence. In 2008, he co-founded the Congress of the People (COPE) and led the party for years.

Lekota stepped back from active politics after the 29 May 2024 elections due to ill health. The party later appointed new leadership.