Picture: Former COPE leader, the late Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota
By AGISANANG SCUFF
13 March 2026 – The Congress of the People (COPE) said the passing of its former leader, Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota marks not only the loss of a distinguished freedom fighter, but also a moment for South Africa to reflect deeply on the kind of leadership the country urgently needs today. COPE said Lekota, a veteran of the liberation struggle, former political prisoner on Robben Island and a respected statesman in democratic South Africa, dedicated his life to the ideals of freedom, accountability and constitutional democracy.
COPE acting national chairperson, Pakes Dikgetsi said from his early activism against apartheid to his service as the Free State Premier, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), and Minister of Defence, Lekota remained a steadfast advocate for principled leadership and democratic accountability. Dikgetsi said but beyond the public offices he held, his legacy lies in something far more important.
“Lekota represented a rare form of leadership in politics, servant leadership. He believed that public office was not a privilege to be enjoyed, but a responsibility to serve the people with honesty, courage, and humility. As South Africa mourns his passing, the party says the greatest tribute to Lekota will not be words of remembrance alone, but a national recommitment to ethical leadership and democratic accountability.
“Throughout his political career, he consistently warned about the dangers of declining ethics in public life and the growing distance between political leaders and ordinary citizens. Today, many South Africans feel disillusioned with politics and increasingly disconnected from those entrusted with governing the country,” he said.
Dikgetsi further said COPE believes that Lekota’s life offers an important lesson for the country at this moment. He added that South Africa does not lack talent, ideas, or courage.
“What South Africa lacks today is servant leadership, leadership that listens before it speaks, serves before it commands, and places the nation above personal ambition. Lekota played a central role in shaping the founding vision of the Congress of the People, a movement established to defend constitutional democracy, ethical governance, and accountability in public life.
“With his passing, some have questioned the future of the movement he helped build, COPE. However, we reject the notion that his legacy ends with his death. Movements built around personalities disappear when those personalities depart, but movements built around principles endure,” said Dikgetsi.
He said the passing of Lekota is not the end of COPE. Dikgetsi said it is a moment of renewal and recommitment to the values he stood for.
“The party says South Africans across the political spectrum can honour his legacy by rebuilding a culture of leadership grounded in integrity, humility, and service to the people. Lekota’s life, COPE says, stands as a reminder that democracy is sustained not only by institutions, but by the character and courage of those entrusted to lead.
“Lekota ran his race with dignity and conviction. He stood for truth even when it was unpopular, and he remained faithful to the dream of a South Africa governed by justice, integrity, and democratic accountability. COPE extended its deepest condolences to his family, comrades, and all South Africans who were inspired by his life and leadership. “Robala ka Khotso, Ntate Lekota, your struggle was not in vain. Your legacy lives on,” he concluded.
The Guardian 