As tributes for Mosiuoa "Terror" Lekota continue to pour in, many may wonder how he earned his iconic nickname.
The late South African anti-apartheid activist, former Minister of Defence, and COPE leader originally received the moniker due to his prowess and fearsome skill as a soccer player in his youth.
While the name originated on the football pitch, it has since been colloquially interpreted as a reflection of his later role as a political activist, "striking terror" into the heart of the apartheid regime.
Lekota died at the age of 77, with COPE confirming that he died earlier on Wednesday following a period of illness.
Interim party leader Tebogo Loate said in a statement: “COPE confirms with deep sadness the passing of its President, Mr. Mosiuoa Gerard Patrick Lekota, earlier today after a period of illness. The Lekota family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and the party asks the public and media to respect their wishes.”
Loate said the party would continue to communicate details of memorial arrangements and extended condolences “to the Lekota family and all South Africans who mourn this loss.”
Lekota had in recent months withdrawn from frontline political activity as he battled ill health.
Born in Kroonstad in the Free State, his political consciousness took shape at a young age. He was expelled from the University of the North because of his involvement in student activism and the Black Consciousness Movement.
As a leading organiser of the South African Students’ Organisation (SASO), Lekota was arrested in 1974 and sent to Robben Island, where he joined the ranks of political prisoners who would later shape the country’s democratic future. After his release in 1983, he was again arrested and stood trial in the 1985 Delmas Treason Trial, one of apartheid’s most significant political prosecutions.
With the advent of democracy, Lekota transitioned into senior government roles, serving as Premier of the Free State, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces and later as Minister of Defence.
In 2008, amid deep divisions within the governing party, he co-founded COPE, positioning it as an alternative political platform during a volatile chapter in South Africa’s democratic journey.
Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen described Lekota as “a patriot and a man of substance,” saying his commitment to principle set him apart.
“He could have been a lifelong cadre, a beneficiary of rot and patronage. All he had to do was keep quiet. But he chose a different path, a more difficult one,” Steenhuisen said. “He showed courage and inspired many.”
Steenhuisen noted that while parties differed politically, Lekota remained a steadfast advocate for constitutionalism, accountability and the rule of law, earning respect across the political divide.
RISE Mzansi also joined the chorus of tributes, remembering Lekota not only for the offices he held but for the convictions he carried. The party reflected on his enduring message: “We seek to restore the dignity of our people and the integrity of our politics. We want a government that serves the people, not a government that serves itself.”
The GOOD Party, led by Patricia de Lille, extended condolences to Lekota’s family and COPE members, describing him as a founding leader who served the country with commitment and resilience.
The ANC said Lekota’s passing marks the loss of a figure who served South Africa in various capacities before and after democracy. “We extend our condolences to the Lekota family, COPE, and the people of South Africa. May his soul rest in peace,” the party added.
The EFF expressed grief at Lekota’s death, noting his service as a long-standing public representative and political figure. “We extend our condolences to his family, friends, former comrades, and the country at large.”
ActionSA paid tribute to Lekota’s role as a fearless freedom fighter and his contributions to South Africa’s democratic journey. “We extend heartfelt condolences to the family and colleagues of COPE leader Mosiuoa Lekota. He will be remembered for his meaningful contribution to the country.”
Across party lines, leaders agreed that South Africa has lost a seasoned voice in its democratic discourse, a politician forged in the crucible of apartheid resistance who carried his convictions into the democratic era.
The Star