South African anti-apartheid activist Mosiuoa Lekota, who broke away from the African National Congress to found a new political party, died in the early hours of Wednesday morning, his party said in a statement. He was 77 years old. The news that Mosiuoa Lekota dies marks the end of a tumultuous political career spanning more than five decades. He passed away at a Johannesburg hospital after battling ill health over the past year .
The Congress of the People (COPE) confirmed its founder’s death and extended condolences to his family. “On behalf of the leadership, membership, and supporters of COPE, we extend our deepest condolences to the Lekota family and all South Africans who mourn this loss,” the party said in a statement . The Lekota family has requested privacy during this difficult time .
Early Life and Imprisonment on Robben Island
Born on 13 August 1948 in Kroonstad in the Free State, Lekota earned the nickname “Terror” for his prowess on the soccer field . He dedicated his youth and adult life to the struggle against apartheid. As a member and organiser of the South African Students’ Organisation, he was prosecuted by the apartheid regime, leading to his imprisonment on Robben Island in 1974 .
He spent eight years behind bars alongside struggle icons, including Nelson Mandela, before his release in 1982 . During his stint in prison, Lekota abandoned his Black Consciousness posture in favour of non-racialism . While incarcerated, he wrote letters to his eldest daughter, Masetjhaba, which were later published in a 1991 book, Prison Letters to a Daughter .
United Democratic Front and Delmas Treason Trial
Upon regaining his freedom, Lekota resumed activism and became a leading figure in the United Democratic Front (UDF), a broad non-racial coalition of more than 400 grassroots organisations formed in 1983 . His involvement in the UDF led to his conviction in 1988 during the four-year Delmas Treason Trial, where the State attempted to link non-violent resistance to unrest in the Vaal .
Although he was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment, his conviction and those of his co-accused were overturned in 1989 . Dennis Bloem, a close associate and former COPE member of parliament, described Lekota’s dedication during this period. “He did everything in his power to overthrow the apartheid government; he put his life on the line for this country,” Bloem told The Citizen .
Political Career in Democratic South Africa
In the democratic era, Lekota served as the first Premier of the Free State from 1994 to 1996 and went on to become the inaugural Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces from 1997 to 1999 . President Cyril Ramaphosa lauded his contribution to strengthening democratic institutions, particularly his role in establishing the NCOP, which enhanced representation of communities in the national legislature .
Lekota was appointed Minister of Defence in 1999, a portfolio he held until 2008, making him one of South Africa’s longest-serving ministers . He also served as National Chairperson of the African National Congress from December 1997 until 2007, being succeeded by Baleka Mbete .
Breakaway and Formation of COPE
However, Lekota’s relationship with the ANC soured after former President Thabo Mbeki was removed as the country’s president in 2008, having lost the presidency of the ANC to Jacob Zuma in 2007 . Following the watershed Polokwane conference, Lekota and other loyalists started an ANC breakaway party, the Congress of the People, in 2008 .
He warned at the time that the ANC was taking a wrong route. “He said at the Polokwane conference in 2007, the ANC is taking a wrong route, he warned that the ANC is going to destroy the country if they elect Jacob Zuma as the president,” Bloem recalled . The breakaway led to a significant decline in the ANC’s electoral support in 2009, with COPE winning just over 7% of the national vote and 30 seats in parliament .
Later Years and Legacy
COPE’s support decreased in subsequent elections, and factional struggles within the party led to its gradual decline . In 2024, the party failed to win any parliamentary seats, ending Lekota’s career as a lawmaker . He stepped away from politics in 2025 for health reasons, with the party appointing an acting leader after his departure .
Tributes poured in from across South Africa’s political landscape following the announcement that Mosiuoa Lekota dies. President Ramaphosa described him as “a patriot, a freedom fighter, and a servant of the people, whose life story is closely intertwined with the country’s journey of struggle and the realisation of democracy” . The Democratic Alliance described Lekota as a principled leader and a patriot who stood firmly for constitutionalism, accountability, and democratic values .
Bantu Holomisa, South Africa’s deputy minister of defence and leader of the United Democratic Movement, noted that Lekota strengthened opposition politics. “He decided to leave the ANC and formed COPE with other South Africans, by doing so he literally strengthened the opposition parties,” Holomisa said . The EFF acknowledged his time as a liberation activist and political prisoner, extending condolences to his family and the country .
Lekota is survived by his wife Cynthia and six children . Further details regarding memorial arrangements will be communicated in due course .
